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Definition of altruistic

altruistic

/ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/
al · tru · is · tic
Adverb:altruistically
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altruistic Lexical Profile

altruistic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.

Example

"Her decision to donate a large portion of her inheritance to local schools was entirely altruistic."

2

Relating to behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species (in zoology and evolutionary biology).

Example

"Biologists observed altruistic behavior among the meerkats, where sentries risked their own lives to warn the group of approaching predators."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for altruistic

• Nearby Words

altrix
altruism
altruist
altruistic
altruistically
alum
aluminum

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the French word 'altruisme', coined in the 1830s by philosopher Auguste Comte from the Italian 'altrui' (somebody else) and ultimately from the Latin 'alter' (other), as a direct antonym to 'egoism'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Altruistic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/altruistic
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