self-sacrifice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-sacrifice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of giving up one's own interests or well-being for the sake of others or a greater cause. Example: "The soldier's self-sacrifice during the battle saved many lives and exemplified true bravery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's that Indian self-sacrifice".

The New Yorker

Is self-sacrifice necessary?

The Guardian - Travel

"There was self-sacrifice.

The Guardian - Tech

Self-sacrifice is the theme.

The New York Times

Amber displays dedication, compassion and self-sacrifice.

The Guardian - Books

What followed was a stunning act of self-sacrifice.

The Washington Post

To Sue and Hector, self-sacrifice came easily.

The New Yorker

Running for the presidency requires enormous self-sacrifice.

The New York Times

The reward requires no self-sacrifice at Kimpton's Palomar Chicago.

The New York Times

Some poetry, of course, is supreme self-sacrifice.

The Economist

Self-interest, not self-sacrifice, is what induces noticeable change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-sacrifice" when the context involves a deliberate choice to give up something valuable for a greater good. Avoid using it loosely for minor inconveniences.

Common error

Avoid portraying "self-sacrifice" as a virtue when it leads to self-neglect or harm. True self-sacrifice benefits others without causing undue damage to oneself. Consider the long-term impact on your well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-sacrifice" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of giving up one's own interests for the sake of others. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-sacrifice" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes the act of giving up one's own benefit for the good of others. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it is often viewed positively, it's crucial to differentiate it from self-neglect and to use it judiciously. Related terms like "selflessness" and "altruism" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with subtly different connotations. The phrase appears frequently in news media and scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selflessness

Focuses on the lack of concern for oneself, highlighting the altruistic nature of the action.

altruism

Emphasizes the concern for the well-being of others, often without expectation of personal gain.

heroism

Highlights the bravery and exceptional nature of the act, often involving significant risk.

martyrdom

Implies suffering or death for a cause or belief, often with religious connotations.

self-denial

Focuses on the act of abstaining from one's own desires or needs, often for a moral or religious purpose.

self-devotion

Emphasizes dedication and commitment to a cause or person, potentially involving personal sacrifice.

benevolence

Stresses the act of doing good or showing kindness to others, often through charitable acts.

humanitarianism

Focuses on improving the lives of others and reducing suffering, often on a large scale.

charity

Highlights the act of giving to those in need, often involving financial or material assistance.

generosity

Emphasizes the willingness to share resources or possessions with others.

FAQs

How can I use "self-sacrifice" in a sentence?

You can use "self-sacrifice" to describe situations where someone gives up their own interests for the benefit of others. For example: "The firefighter's "self-sacrifice" saved the family from the burning building."

What's the difference between "self-sacrifice" and "selflessness"?

"Self-sacrifice" implies a conscious decision to give up something valuable, while "selflessness" describes a general lack of concern for oneself. Self-sacrifice is an act; selflessness is a trait.

What are some alternatives to "self-sacrifice"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "altruism", "heroism", or "selflessness" to convey similar meanings. Each word emphasizes different aspects of the act of giving.

Is "self-sacrifice" always a positive thing?

While "self-sacrifice" is often seen as virtuous, it can be detrimental if it leads to self-neglect or exploitation. It's important to consider the motivations and consequences of the act.