What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
altruism
Example
Her altruism was evident when she donated all her savings to charity. [altruism: noun]
Example
He acted out of pure altruism, without any ulterior motive. [altruism: noun]
benevolence
Example
Her benevolence was appreciated by everyone who knew her. [benevolence: noun]
Example
The company's benevolent policies towards its employees were widely praised. [benevolent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Benevolence is more commonly used than altruism in everyday language. Benevolence is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of positive behaviors towards others, while altruism is a more specific term that is often associated with exceptional acts of selflessness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between altruism and benevolence?
Both altruism and benevolence are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts, such as psychology, philosophy, or ethics. However, benevolence may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, including both formal and informal contexts.
