To save this word, you'll need to log in.
al·tru·is·tic | \ ˌal-trü-ˈi-stik 
\
\Definition of altruistic
: relating to or given to altruism:
a : having or showing an unselfish concern for the welfare of others
altruistic acts/motives a generous and altruistic person Yet many of the most important institutions in our society—the fine arts, NGOs, humanitarian charities—depend on the generosity of wealthy citizens with altruistic impulses.— Jonathan Kay
b : relating to or being behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to the animal itself but that benefits others of its species
The evolutionary theory of kin selection requires that social animals recognize their relatives so that altruistic behavior can be displayed preferentially toward kin. — Science
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from altruistic
altruistically \ ˌal-trü-ˈi-sti-k(ə-)lē \ adverb
\ adverb
… one of the first researchers to begin to solve the paradox of how the evolutionary struggle to survive and reproduce could give rise to creatures that never reproduce and spend their lives altruistically helping others to survive. — Carol Kaesuk Yoon
Synonyms & Antonyms for altruistic
Synonyms
- beneficent,
- benevolent,
- charitable,
- do-good,
- eleemosynary,
- good,
- humanitarian,
- philanthropic
- (also philanthropical)
Antonyms
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on altruistic
What made you want to look up altruistic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
- Match the pasta to its meaning in English: Rotelle
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
Match the pasta with its meaning in Italian.
Take the quiz - Confusing Words—A Quiz
Test your knowledge of these commonly confused words!
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share altruistic
Resources for altruistic