What does altruistically mean?
Altruistically is an adverb meaning in a selfless manner — that is, acting out of genuine concern for the wellbeing of others rather than for personal advantage. It describes how an action is carried out: someone might donate anonymously, volunteer without recognition, or sacrifice their own comfort for a stranger's benefit, and in each case they can be said to act altruistically. The word derives from 'altruism', a term coined in the nineteenth century by French philosopher Auguste Comte, who built it on the Italian 'altrui' ('to others'), so its very roots emphasize other-directedness. In tone it is formal to neutral, appearing frequently in ethics, psychology, journalism about charity and philanthropy, and everyday praise of generous behavior. Its connotation is strongly positive, suggesting integrity and warmth of character, though philosophers sometimes debate whether any action is ever purely altruistic. Related forms include the noun 'altruism', the adjective 'altruistic', and the noun 'altruist'.
adverbIn a way that shows unselfish concern for the welfare of others; acting selflessly, without regard for one's own benefit.
- In a manner showing unselfish concern for others, without expectation of personal gain.
"She donated the entire prize money altruistically, asking only that it help the children who needed it most."
"He worked altruistically at the shelter, often staying late without pay to make sure every guest had a warm meal."
"The billionaire gave away her fortune altruistically, insisting that her name appear nowhere on the buildings it funded."
The word 'altruism' was coined by French philosopher Auguste Comte — and he based it on the Italian 'altrui', meaning 'others', so the very word itself was built from thinking of other people first.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of altruistically
Altruistically derives from 'altruism', a term coined in the early nineteenth century by French philosopher Auguste Comte as part of his system of positivist ethics. Comte based the word on the Italian 'altrui', meaning 'of or to others', which itself traces back to the Latin 'alter', meaning 'other'. The adjective 'altruistic' and the adverb 'altruistically' developed in English shortly after the noun entered the language, spreading alongside growing nineteenth-century interest in ethics and social science.
Related word forms
How altruistically is actually used
A formal or elevated register word, common in ethical discussion, psychology, journalism about philanthropy, and descriptions of prosocial behavior. It carries an almost entirely positive connotation, though in some contexts (e.g. evolutionary biology debates) 'acting altruistically' can prompt discussion of whether truly selfless motives exist.
Easily confused with altruistically
Altruistic is the adjective describing someone or something as selfless, while altruistically is the adverb describing how an action is performed.