Definitions
- Describing a person who puts the needs of others before their own. - Referring to an act or behavior that is done without any personal gain or benefit. - Talking about a quality or characteristic that is marked by unselfishness and altruism.
- Describing a person who has a kind and generous disposition towards others. - Referring to an act or behavior that is motivated by goodwill and a desire to help others. - Talking about a quality or characteristic that is marked by kindness, generosity, and compassion.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe positive qualities in people.
- 2Both words are associated with acts of kindness and generosity.
- 3Both words involve a focus on others rather than oneself.
What is the difference?
- 1Motivation: Selfless actions are done without any expectation of reward or recognition, while benevolent actions may be motivated by a desire for goodwill or positive recognition.
- 2Extent: Selfless actions may involve sacrificing one's own needs or desires for the benefit of others, while benevolent actions may involve less personal sacrifice.
- 3Emphasis: Selfless emphasizes the absence of self-interest, while benevolent emphasizes the presence of goodwill and kindness.
- 4Usage: Selfless is often used to describe a person's character or behavior, while benevolent is often used to describe an action or gesture.
- 5Connotation: Selfless can connote a sense of humility or modesty, while benevolent can connote a sense of power or influence.
Remember this!
Selfless and benevolent are both positive words that describe people who exhibit kindness and generosity towards others. However, the difference between them lies in their motivation, extent, emphasis, usage, and connotation. Selfless emphasizes the absence of self-interest and may involve significant personal sacrifice, while benevolent emphasizes the presence of goodwill and may involve less personal sacrifice. Selfless is often used to describe a person's character or behavior, while benevolent is often used to describe a specific action or gesture.
