What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unmercenary
Example
The volunteers provided unmercenary aid to the victims of the natural disaster. [unmercenary: adjective]
Example
She offered her unmercenary services to the community center. [unmercenary: noun]
selfless
Example
Her selfless dedication to helping others inspired many people. [selfless: adjective]
Example
He acted in a selfless manner by donating his time and resources to the charity. [selfless: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Selfless is more commonly used than unmercenary in everyday language. Selfless is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while unmercenary is more limited in its usage and may have a slightly negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unmercenary and selfless?
Both unmercenary and selfless are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, selfless is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, while unmercenary is less common and may be perceived as archaic or outdated in some contexts.