altruist
Meaning: A person who selflessly acts for the benefit of others, even at personal cost; someone motivated primarily by concern for the welfare of others.
An altruist is defined by their motivation — acting for others' benefit without expectation of personal gain. The term is used in philosophy, psychology, and biology (where 'altruistic behaviour' has a specific evolutionary meaning). In everyday usage, it describes exceptionally generous or selfless people. It sits in contrast to 'egoist' and is sometimes used sceptically, questioning whether true altruism exists.
Examples
- The philanthropist was widely regarded as a genuine altruist who gave away the vast majority of his fortune. 这位慈善家被广泛认为是一位真正的利他主义者,他捐出了绝大部分财产。El filántropo era ampliamente considerado un auténtico altruista que donó la inmensa mayoría de su fortuna.その慈善家は莫大な財産の大部分を寄付した真の利他主義者として広く認められていた。그 자선가는 막대한 재산의 대부분을 기부한 진정한 이타주의자로 널리 인정받았다.
- Evolutionary biologists have long debated how altruists can thrive in populations dominated by self-interested individuals. 进化生物学家长期争论利他主义者如何能在以自利个体为主导的种群中繁衍生息。Los biólogos evolucionistas llevan tiempo debatiendo cómo los altruistas pueden prosperar en poblaciones dominadas por individuos egoístas.進化生物学者たちは、利己的な個体が支配する集団の中で利他主義者がどのように繁栄できるのかを長年議論してきた。진화생물학자들은 이기적인 개체가 지배하는 집단에서 이타주의자가 어떻게 번성할 수 있는지를 오랫동안 논의해 왔다.
- She was an altruist by nature, always putting the needs of her students ahead of her own career advancement. 她天生是一个利他主义者,总是将学生的需求置于自己的职业发展之上。Era altruista por naturaleza, anteponiendo siempre las necesidades de sus alumnos a su propia promoción profesional.彼女は生来の利他主義者であり、常に自身のキャリアアップよりも学生たちのニーズを優先していた。그녀는 타고난 이타주의자로, 항상 자신의 경력 발전보다 학생들의 필요를 우선시했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: positive
Origin & History
From French altruiste, coined by Auguste Comte in 1851 from Italian altrui (of or to others), from Latin alteri (to the other). The word was deliberately created as the opposite of 'egoist.'
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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