altruism
C1Formal / Academic
Definition
Meaning
The principle and practice of concern for the well-being and happiness of others, often at a cost to oneself.
In biology, behaviour by an animal that benefits another at its own expense; in philosophy and psychology, the belief that acting for the benefit of others is a moral obligation or a key component of human nature.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract, uncountable noun. It describes a quality, principle, or instance of selfless action. Often contrasted with 'egoism' or 'selfishness'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a strongly positive connotation, associated with high moral character.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic and philosophical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + altruism: demonstrate, show, display, act out ofaltruism + [preposition]: altruism towards/toward others[adjective] + altruism: genuine, pure, reciprocal, enlightenedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms directly featuring 'altruism'. Related concept: 'to do something out of the goodness of one's heart'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might appear in discussions of corporate social responsibility or ethical leadership.
Academic
Common in philosophy, ethics, psychology, biology, and sociology texts.
Everyday
Less common; used in more formal discussions about character or morality.
Technical
Specific meaning in evolutionary biology (kin selection, reciprocal altruism).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Altruise' is not a standard verb. Use phrases: 'act altruistically', 'behave altruistically'.
American English
- 'Altruize' is obsolete/rare. Use: 'to show altruism', 'to demonstrate altruism'.
adverb
British English
- He acted entirely altruistically, seeking no reward.
- The decision was made altruistically.
American English
- She donated the money altruistically.
- They worked altruistically for the cause.
adjective
British English
- His altruistic motives were beyond question.
- She made an altruistic donation to the hospice.
American English
- His altruistic intentions were clear.
- It was an altruistic gesture toward the community.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Helping your neighbour is a kind of altruism.
- Her altruism made her very popular.
- True altruism involves helping others without expecting anything in return.
- The researcher studied altruism in animal behaviour.
- Philosophers have long debated whether pure altruism can exist, or if all acts are ultimately self-interested.
- Kin selection theory explains apparent altruism in the animal kingdom as a strategy for promoting shared genes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ALT' as in 'alter' (other) and 'TRUISM' as a true principle. A 'true principle for others'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ALTRUISM IS A GIFT (given freely without expectation of return). ALTRUISM IS A LIGHT (illuminating or warming others).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with simple 'доброта' (kindness). Altruism implies a conscious, often principled, self-sacrifice.
- The adjective 'альтруистический' is a direct cognate but sounds very formal in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'He did an altruism'). Correct: 'He did an act of altruism' / 'He showed altruism'.
- Confusing it with general 'helpfulness' which may involve less cost to the helper.
Practice
Quiz
In evolutionary biology, 'altruism' primarily refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was coined in the 19th century by the French philosopher Auguste Comte, from the Italian 'altrui' (derived from Latin 'alteri', meaning 'to others').
Yes, in philosophical and ethical contexts, altruism (concern for others) is typically presented as the direct antonym of egoism (exclusive concern for oneself).
In biological terms, yes. Behaviours like alarm calling or cooperative breeding that benefit others at a cost to the individual are described as biological altruism, often explained by theories like kin selection.
While generally praised, some philosophers and psychologists argue that excessive or misguided altruism can be harmful, leading to burnout or enabling unhealthy dependence in others.
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