altruistic act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altruistic act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken with the intention of benefiting others, often at a personal cost or sacrifice. Example: "Volunteering at the homeless shelter was an altruistic act that made a significant difference in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is certainly true that such reproductive sacrifice may constitute an altruistic act which enables the altruist to contribute indirectly to the fitness of its clonemates though behaviours such as migration.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

All these theories are based on the assumption that the altruistic act reduces the reproductive success of the altruist, and were developed in order to explain how altruism has persisted despite its supposed shortcomings.

F1000Research

An awkward silence is the sign of an altruistic act.

The New Yorker

Breaking into a man's world ReprintsThe scheme is no altruistic act of corporate social responsibility.

The Economist

"In many cases collectors donate antiquities to museums for a tax break, hardly a completely altruistic act," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Tissue donation is an altruistic act, he said, and it may be incompatible with the desire to make money.

The New York Times

Food sharing may be an altruistic act, but there is often something in it for the sharer, as well.

The New York Times - Science

A person is more likely to perform an altruistic act when another person has pointed out the need.

The New York Times

A person is more likely to perform an altruistic act when another person has modeled altruistic behavior.

The New York Times

The next most popular idea was to give old fur coats to the homeless, an altruistic act to be sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seems challenging to reconcile these motivations with the mentality that plans to kill Hitler as an altruistic act.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action, ensure the context clearly indicates the act benefits others, as perceived altruism can sometimes be misinterpreted.

Common error

Avoid labeling actions as "altruistic acts" without considering potential underlying motivations or unintended consequences. Scrutinize the context for possible self-serving aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altruistic act" functions as a noun phrase, where "altruistic" modifies "act". It describes a specific type of action. Ludwig AI examples show it often paired with verbs like "is", "may be", or "constitutes", indicating its role in defining or categorizing behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "altruistic act" is a common and readily understood term used to describe actions intended to benefit others, often at a personal cost. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and general discourse. While generally positive, it's crucial to consider the context and potential underlying motivations when labeling an action as an "altruistic act", as perceived altruism can be complex and multifaceted. Alternatives like "selfless deed" or "charitable action" can offer subtly different connotations, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selfless deed

Emphasizes the absence of personal gain in the action.

altruistic endeavor

Focuses on effort and purpose of doing something good for someone.

compassionate act

Underlines the empathy and concern for others driving the action.

charitable action

Highlights the benevolent nature of the act, often involving donations or assistance.

unselfish service

Emphasizes dedication to others without expecting personal rewards.

benevolent gesture

Focuses on the kindness and goodwill behind the action.

self-sacrificing gesture

Highlights the personal cost involved in the altruistic act.

humanitarian effort

Implies a large-scale altruistic undertaking aimed at alleviating suffering.

generous contribution

Highlights the act of giving to benefit others.

philanthropic endeavor

Suggests a more structured and strategic approach to altruism, often involving significant resources.

FAQs

How can I use "altruistic act" in a sentence?

You can use "altruistic act" to describe actions intended to benefit others. For instance, "Donating blood is an "altruistic act" that saves lives."

What's a good substitute for "altruistic act"?

Alternatives include "selfless deed", "charitable action", or "benevolent gesture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as an "altruistic act"?

Not necessarily. While the intention might be altruistic, the action could have unintended consequences or mixed motivations. Consider the broader context.

How does an "altruistic act" differ from a merely kind gesture?

An "altruistic act" often involves a degree of personal sacrifice or risk, while a kind gesture might be simpler and more convenient. The core difference lies in the cost to the actor.