selfless love

USAGE SUMMARY

"selfless love" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a pure and unconditional type of love. For example, "Although his parents disagreed with his decision, John still showed them selfless love."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her selfless love for her family will be forever remembered.

The New York Times

It can be about an abstinent, selfless love.

The New York Times

Who treated her, until the day he died, with complete, selfless love.

The New York Times

At the heart of meaningful teaching, I think, is a relation of selfless love.

The New Yorker

This wonderful woman's life was a model of the selfless love that the name "mother" epitomizes.

The New York Times

Kenton Stacy would have died if not for Justin's selfless love for his fellow warrior.

The Washington Post

It was through the selfless love, hard discipline, ruthless faith and dedication of two humble parents.

The Guardian

Her unconditional and selfless love for her family played an integral role in their lives.

The New York Times

Striving, vanity and ambition pass and are replaced by love -- selfless love, charitas, giving.

The New York Times - Magazine

In it, human beings waver between their capacity for selfless love and their capacity for self-annihilation.

The New Yorker

They teach the theology of agape, selfless love, and ask parishioners to "construct with love" and "reduce fear and guilt".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions, use "selfless love" to highlight the purity of motive and lack of personal gain involved.

Common error

Avoid portraying "selfless love" as enabling or sacrificing one's own well-being to an unhealthy degree. True "selfless love" should not come at the expense of personal boundaries or self-respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selfless love" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It names an abstract concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in describing qualities and actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selfless love" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a deep, altruistic affection characterized by prioritizing others' well-being without expecting personal gain. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and can be used in a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki, the phrase serves to commend actions, emphasize virtues, or analyze relationships. When writing, it is important to ensure that "selfless love" is not confused with codependency, which involves unhealthy attachments and boundary violations. By understanding its correct usage and connotations, writers can effectively convey the powerful and virtuous nature of genuine, "selfless love".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconditional love

Emphasizes the lack of conditions or limitations in the love given.

altruistic affection

Highlights the altruistic nature of the affection, focusing on concern for others.

self-sacrificing devotion

Focuses on the sacrifices made out of devotion.

compassionate care

Emphasizes the caring aspect driven by compassion.

unwavering loyalty

Highlights steadfastness and commitment without personal gain.

benevolent regard

Suggests a kind and well-meaning consideration for others.

disinterested kindness

Emphasizes kindness without any personal interest or motive.

self-forgetful affection

Highlights the act of forgetting oneself in showing affection.

generous spirit

Focuses on the generosity inherent in the act of loving selflessly.

charitable heart

Implies a charitable and giving nature at the core of the love.

FAQs

How can I use "selfless love" in a sentence?

You can use "selfless love" to describe actions or feelings characterized by genuine concern for others, such as, "Her "selfless love" for her family was evident in all that she did."

What is a good alternative to "selfless love"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unconditional love", "altruistic affection", or "self-sacrificing devotion" to convey similar meanings.

Is "selfless love" the same as romantic love?

"Selfless love" can be a component of romantic love, but it extends beyond romance to encompass familial, platonic, and even universal compassion. Romantic love often includes elements of personal fulfillment, while "selfless love" prioritizes the well-being of others.

What's the difference between "selfless love" and codependency?

"Selfless love" is about genuine care without expecting anything in return. Codependency, however, involves an unhealthy reliance on another person's needs for one's own self-worth. "Selfless love" respects boundaries, while codependency often violates them.