selfless gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selfless gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an action that someone does for another person out of kindness, without expecting anything in return. For example: "He visited the elderly woman in the nursing home as a selfless gesture of kindness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He dies, in fact, in a selfless gesture.

The New York Times - Books

It was a selfless gesture, but on Feb. 14 in Hakuba, those roles could be reversed.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm always seen as having made a grand, selfless gesture giving Noel that chocolate brown Rolls Royce as a gift.

The Guardian - Music

"That was a great, selfless gesture by Galey, and I really think we're still seeing the benefits of it now," Gillespie said.

The Guardian - Sport

He is a determined loner and a forthright mercenary until at last his underlying nobility is revealed by a selfless gesture.

The New York Times

How sad that David Owen ("The Gullible Groundskeeper," Op-Ed, Sept. 12) can only judge the value of an act by how much money it will bring on the open market rather than appreciate a simple, selfless gesture.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Homer tries to perform selfless gestures for Marge, such as making "soothing" ocean noises to lull her to sleep and cutting her hair, but they only serve to infuriate her.

Wikipedia

After all, coming to the aid of the needy among your foes is the most generous and selfless of gestures.

The New York Times

Also, buying it would be a nice, selfless, Obama-era gesture, especially in view of the fact that, for this issue only, the entire contents of the magazine has been made available gratis online.

The New Yorker

Cindy, however, still looks good, however stressed and tired she gets; she clearly both regrets what she has given up in career terms and is perplexed at Dean's own lack of drive, but can't articulate any of this because of a guilty, anxious appreciation of the selfless and romantic gesture Dean made in marrying her.

The Guardian - Film

So far, the cities still contending for the second headquarters have not responded with the anticipated gesture of selfless renunciation and have only redoubled their efforts to outbid one another.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "selfless gesture", provide specific details about the action and its impact to emphasize the giver's intentions and the recipient's benefit. For example, instead of "It was a selfless gesture", write "Donating his entire paycheck to charity was a selfless gesture that enabled the organization to continue its work".

Common error

Avoid using "selfless gesture" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "altruistic act", "generous deed", or "act of kindness" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selfless gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of action characterized by altruism. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selfless gesture" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes an altruistic act, done without expecting personal gain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in various contexts but predominantly appears in news and media. To enhance your writing, consider providing specific details when using the phrase, and avoid overuse by exploring synonyms like "altruistic act" or "generous deed". The phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for describing actions where the moral quality of altruism is emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unselfish act

This alternative emphasizes lack of concern for oneself.

altruistic act

This alternative emphasizes the altruistic nature of the action, highlighting the concern for others' well-being.

self-sacrificing deed

This phrase highlights the element of personal sacrifice involved in the action.

generous act

This alternative focuses on the generosity and willingness to give to others.

unmercenary act

This alternative highlights that the deed was not done for profit.

benevolent action

This phrase emphasizes the kind and charitable nature of the action.

compassionate deed

This alternative highlights the empathy and concern for others that motivates the action.

act of kindness

This phrase focuses on the kindness that an individual is expressing.

humanitarian act

This phrase suggests a broader scope of helping others, often on a larger scale.

noble deed

This alternative emphasizes the moral excellence and high character associated with the action.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "selfless gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "selfless gesture" to describe an action done out of kindness and without expecting anything in return. For example, "His donation was a "selfless gesture" that helped many people".

What are some synonyms for "selfless gesture"?

Alternatives to "selfless gesture" include "altruistic act", "generous deed", "act of kindness", and "unselfish act".

Is it redundant to say "very selfless gesture"?

While grammatically correct, "very selfless gesture" can be redundant. "Selfless" already implies a high degree of altruism. Consider using a more specific descriptor or alternative phrasing instead.

What is the difference between a "selfless gesture" and a "strategic move"?

A "selfless gesture" is motivated by genuine concern for others, without expecting personal gain. A "strategic move", on the other hand, is calculated to achieve a specific outcome, even if it appears generous on the surface. The motivation behind the action differentiates the two.