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
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quiz - True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share altruistic
Time Traveler for altruistic
The first known use of altruistic was in 1853
See more words from the same year