Definitions
- Describing an act or behavior that is done without any consideration for oneself. - Referring to a person who puts the needs and wants of others before their own. - Talking about a decision or action that is made for the benefit of others rather than oneself.
- Describing an act or behavior that is done without any selfish motivation or desire for personal gain. - Referring to a person who is willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of others. - Talking about a decision or action that is made with the intention of helping others, even if it means personal sacrifice.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions or behaviors that prioritize the needs of others over oneself.
- 2Both words convey a positive moral quality of generosity and altruism.
- 3Both words can be used to describe people, actions, or decisions.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Selflessly is more commonly used than unselfishly in everyday language.
- 2Focus: Selflessly emphasizes the absence of self-interest, while unselfishly emphasizes the willingness to sacrifice one's own interests.
- 3Connotation: Selflessly has a more neutral connotation, while unselfishly has a slightly more positive connotation.
Remember this!
Selflessly and unselfishly are synonyms that describe actions or behaviors that prioritize the needs of others over oneself. While both words convey a positive moral quality of generosity and altruism, selflessly emphasizes the absence of self-interest, while unselfishly emphasizes the willingness to sacrifice one's own interests. Selflessly is more commonly used in everyday language and is an adverb, while unselfishly is an adjective.
