altruistic gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altruistic gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken with the intention of helping others without expecting anything in return. Example: "Her donation to the local shelter was truly an altruistic gesture that inspired others to contribute as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

President Karzai and his aides, however, were not greeting it as an altruistic gesture.

The New York Times

Providing the platform free to some public-school students is partly an altruistic gesture, he says – but also good business.

The Guardian - Tech

My own instinct is that philanthropy should be an altruistic gesture that neither asks, nor even expects, anything tangible in return.

The Guardian

Based on this social structure, the common assumption has long been that healthy animals strand themselves as an altruistic gesture, that they do so to continue caring for distressed family members.

Independent

When Noah's stepmother (Veanne Cox) urges the family's African-American housekeeper, Caroline Thibodeaux (Tonya Pinkins), to keep what change she finds left in his clothes, this ostensibly altruistic gesture triggers deepening misunderstandings and resentments about class and race.

The New York Times

This altruistic gesture created a nice sense of community and offered new potential for conservative collectors but for the most part the artist-run galleries were just as predictable as the commercials.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Yet if one of the chief aims of sex is to make your partner feel good, and not having an orgasm makes him or her feel bad, perhaps faking it is merely one of those occasional sexually altruistic gestures that could help preserve long-term happiness when there isn't always time to get sex "just right".

The Guardian - Opinion

Basically, they used to say that behind all altruistic gestures, there is a selfish motive.

Huffington Post

There are hundreds of examples of altruistic gestures in animals living in the wild as well as in labs.

Huffington Post

Andreea Marin Bănică, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Romania, greeted the launch of the first UNICEF loyalty card in the country: "Kind and altruistic gestures must be admired all the more when people are going through a tough period, which tests us all.

Unicef

The gesture was not necessarily altruistic; he was hoping for a donation in return.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions, clarify the motivation to avoid misinterpretations, especially if the gesture's positive impact is not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid labeling an action as an "altruistic gesture" if there are underlying motives of personal gain or public relations. Ensure the primary intention is genuinely selfless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altruistic gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "altruistic" modifies the noun "gesture". It describes a specific kind of action characterized by selflessness and concern for others. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "altruistic gesture" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes actions intended to benefit others without expectation of personal gain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for various contexts. While "altruistic gesture" is generally well-received, it's important to ensure that the actions genuinely reflect selfless intent to avoid skepticism. Alternatives like "selfless act" or "benevolent deed" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the context, as emphasizing pure intentions is crucial in a world often quick to assume ulterior motives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selfless act

Focuses on the absence of personal gain, emphasizing the giver's lack of selfish motivation.

unselfish action

Emphasizes the lack of self-interest in the action, similar to selfless act.

benevolent deed

Highlights the kindness and goodwill behind the action.

charitable action

Specifically relates to giving to those in need, often involving donations or aid.

humanitarian effort

Implies a large-scale or organized attempt to alleviate suffering and improve human welfare.

compassionate act

Emphasizes the empathy and concern for others that motivate the action.

kindhearted deed

Highlights the inherent goodness and generosity of the person performing the action.

generous contribution

Focuses on the act of giving valuable resources to benefit others.

philanthropic endeavor

Suggests a larger, more strategic effort to improve society through charitable giving.

noble act

Highlights the moral excellence and high-mindedness of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "altruistic gesture" to describe actions intended to benefit others without expecting personal gain. For example, "Providing free education is an "altruistic gesture" aimed at community development."

What is the difference between "altruistic gesture" and "selfless act"?

Both phrases describe actions done for others, but ""altruistic gesture"" emphasizes the intent behind the action, while "selfless act" highlights the absence of self-interest. They are largely interchangeable but carry slightly different connotations.

What are some alternatives to "altruistic gesture"?

Alternatives include "benevolent deed", "charitable action", or "compassionate act", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always positive to describe something as an "altruistic gesture"?

While generally positive, describing something as an "altruistic gesture" can sometimes be viewed with skepticism if the motives are unclear or if the action seems performative. It's important to ensure that the intent is genuinely selfless to avoid negative connotations.