altruism

Definitions

Coined in the 19th century from Italian altrui ('of others,' from Latin alter, 'other') + -ism. Literally 'other-ism' — a stance of putting the other person ahead of yourself, deliberately built as the opposite of egoism.

Why It Means This

A modern coinage, not an ancient word. The French philosopher Auguste Comte popularized it to name the moral opposite of egoism. Knowing that alter = 'other' makes it instantly readable: altruism is simply 'putting others first,' raised to a principle.

Common Collocations

• 1.pure altruism纯粹的利他
• 2.act of altruism利他之举
• 3.driven by altruism由利他主义驱动

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Her decision to donate the prize money was pure altruism.

• 2.

  Critics debate whether true altruism really exists.

• 3.

  The charity was founded on a spirit of altruism.