What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
altruistic
Example
She has an altruistic personality and always puts others before herself. [altruistic: adjective]
Example
The organization's mission is to promote altruistic behavior and encourage people to help their community. [altruistic: noun]
selfless
Example
He made a selfless decision to donate his kidney to his sister. [selfless: adjective]
Example
Her selflessness and generosity have earned her the respect of her colleagues. [selflessness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Selfless is more commonly used than altruistic in everyday language, but both words are used in similar contexts and convey similar meanings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between altruistic and selfless?
Altruistic is more formal than selfless, and is often used in academic or professional settings to describe behaviors or actions that prioritize the welfare of others.
