Words / C2

ALTR-oo-iz-uh-m/ˈæltruɪzəm/

Altruism is unselfish concern for the welfare of others: an act of altruism, altruism in the brief. Benevolent and charitable (already in the dictionary) are kindly generous and of charity; cupidity (already in the dictionary) is greed for possessions — the contrast. A mission sentence is not a spare key on the night.

Meaning

Unselfish concern for the welfare of others.

Examples

• “Altruism in the mission statement is not a spare night-clinic key.”
• “Benevolent is kindly generous (already in C1). Charitable is of charity or kind judgement (already in B1). Cupidity is greed (already in C2) — the contrast. A named night post can be a quiet good. A motto that never cuts the key is decoration. Write the rota; then the thanks.”

Good to know

Unselfish concern for others. Everyday: unselfishness. Close: benevolent / charitable (already in this dictionary). Contrast: cupidity (greed — already in C2). A motto is not a spare key.

Near in meaning

unselfishness, selflessness, philanthropy, generosity

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