altruistic deed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altruistic deed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is selflessly concerned for the well-being of others, often without expecting anything in return. Example: "Volunteering at the local shelter was an altruistic deed that brought joy to both the volunteers and the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The donations keep rolling in, perhaps because cutting off one's hair for charity is an altruistic deed that doesn't require a financial contribution, which may be why it appeals so much to children.

The New York Times

Dr. Myers was impressed that she was up and about after her recent altruistic deed and told her, "If it weren't for that first commandment, I'd worship you right now".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Conservative government, however, has managed to cause people to question altruistic deeds.

The Guardian

That's the climax to one of its three stories, which all focus on the altruistic deeds of pious teachers in different countries; in the other two segments, two lovers find themselves a world apart in Senegal and Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Film

In that respect, most definitions of supererogation in modern ethics diverge from the Christian tradition: whereas for the latter paradigm examples of supererogation are piety and chastity, for the former these are altruistic deeds of extreme beneficence.

SEP

Huffington Post New York wants to highlight these altruistic deeds, but we need your help to find the best stories!

Huffington Post

Participants in studies who are shown altruistic deeds -- from establishing neighborhood gardens, to rock singers helping impoverished communities -- are then more likely to donate money themselves.

HuffPost

Donations to a monastic community, altruistic practice of spiritual disciplines, and good deeds are ways of generating merit that may be dedicated to relieving the purgatorial suffering of beings imprisoned in sorrowful rebirths or in transit between lives.

Britannica

Many have altruistic motives.

The New York Times

How altruistic are you?

University of California, Berkeley

They're altruistic.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an act as an "altruistic deed", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the selfless nature of the action. Avoid using it for actions that primarily benefit the doer, even if there are secondary positive consequences for others.

Common error

Be cautious of labeling an action as an "altruistic deed" if ulterior motives are present. If an act is partially driven by self-interest or a desire for recognition, using a more neutral term like "beneficial action" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altruistic deed" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a selfless act intended to benefit others. The examples show its use in describing actions like donating hair to charity or helping impoverished communities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "altruistic deed" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a selfless action intended to benefit others. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its primary use in news and media, science and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the selfless nature of the act and that no significant ulterior motives are involved. Consider "selfless act" or "charitable act" as alternative phrases to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selfless act

Focuses on the absence of self-interest, emphasizing the giver's lack of personal gain.

unselfish act

Highlights the absence of egoism.

benevolent action

Highlights the positive intent and kindness behind the act.

charitable act

Specifically emphasizes the act of giving or donating to those in need.

generous act

Emphasizes the abundance and willingness to share.

humanitarian effort

Implies a larger scale and a focus on improving human welfare.

compassionate gesture

Emphasizes the empathy and caring involved in the act.

kindhearted action

Focuses on the inherent kindness and good nature of the person performing the act.

good samaritan act

Directly references the biblical parable, highlighting selfless help to strangers.

noble deed

Emphasizes the morality and honor associated with the action.

FAQs

What does "altruistic deed" mean?

An "altruistic deed" is an action performed selflessly, with the primary intention of benefiting others, without expecting personal gain.

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

You might say, "Volunteering at the soup kitchen was an "altruistic deed" that helped many people in need".

What are some alternatives to "altruistic deed"?

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

Is "altruistic deed" formal or informal?

"Altruistic deed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it may sound slightly more formal than some of its alternatives.