Altruistic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌæl.tɹuˈɪs.tɪk/

Definitions

1. Motivated by a genuine desire to help others without seeking personal benefit, showing a deep-seated commitment to the welfare and happiness of those around them
2. Displaying a selfless attitude that focuses on the interests and needs of others rather than personal gain, often engaging in acts of kindness and generosity
3. Acting with a sincere wish to improve others' well-being without expecting anything in return

Etymology: The most striking fact about this word is that its core, "altruism," was coined deliberately in the 1830s by Auguste Comte, the French founder of positivism, who needed a word for living for others. He built it from the Latin "alter" (other), reshaped into the Old French "autrui" (others), and then added the Greek-derived suffix "-isme," giving a term that means something like "otherism." The English "altruist" and "altruistic" followed, with "altruistic" formed by adding the adjective ending "-ic" to "altruist." The modern sense is almost the reverse of what Comte's construction might suggest. The word did not come from a Latin verb meaning to help others but from a pronoun meaning "other people," so its literal meaning is simply a focus on others. Comte deliberately set it against "egoism," and the pairing has stuck ever since.

Synonyms: selfless, unselfish, benevolent, generous, compassionate

Antonyms: selfish, greedy, self-serving, egotistical, narcissistic