Altruisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A selfless concern for the well-being of others that often drives actions intended to help and uplift those in need
  2. A commitment to acting for the benefit of others, often considered a moral obligation that prioritizes communal or societal welfare over personal gain
  3. The practice of putting the interests of others first as a guiding principle in ethical behavior and social interactions

Etymology: The concept behind this word traces back to the Latin adjective "alter," meaning "other" or "another." From this root, the term "altruisme" was coined in French in the early 19th century to describe a selfless concern for the well-being of others. This French term was introduced to English as "altruism" around the mid-19th century, primarily through philosophical and scientific discourse. The coinage is often credited to the French philosopher Auguste Comte, who used it to contrast with "egoism," emphasizing actions motivated by the welfare of others rather than oneself. The suffix "-ism" attaches to "altrui-" (derived from "alter") to form a noun that denotes a practice, system, or philosophy. Over time, the term broadened from its philosophical origins to general usage, encompassing a wide range of selfless behaviors and attitudes. "Altruism" entered English discourse primarily through translations of Comte's positivist philosophy and rapidly became a key concept in ethics, psychology, and biology. It was especially significant in discussions of moral philosophy and evolutionary biology, where it described behaviors that benefit others at a cost to oneself. The plural form simply follows standard English conventions, adding "-s" to denote multiple instances or varieties of such selfless acts or philosophies. While the word's roots emphasize "the other," its journey into English encapsulates a shift from abstract philosophical ideal to a versatile term describing everyday human and animal behavior.

Synonyms: selflessness, benevolence, generosity, kindness, charity

Antonyms: selfishness, egoism, greed, narcissism, egotism