Definitions
- Describing a person who does not seek or receive payment for their services. - Referring to an act or service that is done without the expectation of reward or compensation. - Talking about a motive or intention that is not driven by financial gain or personal benefit.
- Describing a person who puts the needs and interests of others before their own. - Referring to an act or behavior that is motivated by concern for others rather than personal gain. - Talking about a quality or attribute that involves sacrificing one's own desires or interests for the benefit of others.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions or behaviors that are not motivated by personal gain.
- 2Both words involve putting the needs or interests of others before oneself.
- 3Both words imply a sense of altruism and generosity towards others.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Unmercenary is less commonly used than selfless in everyday language.
- 2Focus: Unmercenary emphasizes the absence of financial gain or reward, while selfless focuses on the motivation behind the action.
- 3Scope: Selfless can be applied to a wider range of contexts, including emotions, relationships, and attitudes, while unmercenary is more limited to actions or services.
- 4Connotation: Unmercenary can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of ambition or professionalism, while selfless has a positive connotation, suggesting a noble and admirable quality.
Remember this!
Unmercenary and selfless are synonyms that describe actions or behaviors that are not motivated by personal gain. However, unmercenary emphasizes the absence of financial gain or reward, while selfless focuses on the motivation behind the action. While both words share similarities, they differ in usage, scope, connotation, and etymology.
