Unselfish Meaning
/ˈʌnˈsɛlfɪʃ/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjNot selfish.
Sentence Examples
These unselfish trees share nutrients through a vast network of roots.
CEFR Practice Quiz
She gave her last dollar to a stranger, showing a truly ____ nature.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her ____ dedication to the local charity has helped many people who are in need of support.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Germanic *un- Proto-West Germanic *un- Old English un- Middle English un- English un- English selfish English unselfish From un- + selfish.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There was certainly no harm in his travelling sixteen miles twice over on such an errand; but there was an air of foppery and nonsense in it which she could not approve. It did not accord with the rationality of plan, the moderation in expense, or even the unselfish warmth of heart, which she had believed herself to discern in him yesterday."
— 1815 December (indicated as 1816), [Jane Austen], chapter VII, in Emma: […], volume II, London: […] [Charles Roworth and James Moyes] for John Murray, →OCLC, page 114:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
She gave her last dollar to a stranger, showing a truly ____ nature.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her ____ dedication to the local charity has helped many people who are in need of support.