Definitions
- Describing a person who is concerned about the welfare of others. - Referring to actions that are done for the benefit of others, without expecting anything in return. - Talking about behaviors that are motivated by a desire to help others, even if it involves personal sacrifice.
- Describing a person who is more concerned about the needs of others than their own. - Referring to actions that are done without any consideration for personal gain or benefit. - Talking about behaviors that prioritize the well-being of others over one's own interests or desires.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe behaviors that prioritize the welfare of others.
- 2Both words imply a lack of selfishness or personal gain.
- 3Both words suggest a willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.
What is the difference?
- 1Motivation: Altruistic implies a desire to help others, while selfless suggests a lack of concern for oneself.
- 2Focus: Altruistic emphasizes concern for others, while selfless emphasizes the absence of self-interest.
- 3Scope: Altruistic can refer to specific actions or behaviors, while selfless can describe a person's overall character or personality.
- 4Connotation: Altruistic has a positive connotation, while selfless can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context.
- 5Usage: Altruistic is more commonly used in formal contexts, while selfless is more common in everyday language.
Remember this!
Altruistic and selfless both describe behaviors that prioritize the welfare of others and involve a lack of selfishness or personal gain. However, altruistic implies a desire to help others, while selfless suggests a lack of concern for oneself. Additionally, altruistic is more formal and has a more positive connotation, while selfless is more commonly used in everyday language and can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context.
