Antonyms for self-interested


Grammar : Adj
Spell : self-in-ter-ist, -trist, self-
Phonetic Transcription : ˌsɛlfˈɪn tər ɪst, -trɪst, ˈsɛlf-


Definition of self-interested

Origin :
  • also self interest, 1640s, from self- + interest (n.). Related: Self-interested.
  • [Self-interest] is a doctrine not very lofty, but clear and sure. It does not seek to attain great objects; but it attains those it aims for without too much effort. ... [It] does not produce great devotion; but it suggests little sacrifices each day; by itself it cannot make a man virtuous; but it forms a multitude of citizens who are regulated, temperate, moderate, farsighted, masters of themselves; and if it does not lead directly to virtue through the will, it brings them near to it insensibly through habits. [Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"]
  • As in self-centered : adj absorbed with oneself
  • As in selfish : adj thinking only of oneself
  • As in individualistic : adj egocentric
  • As in egocentric : adj thinking very highly of oneself
Example sentences :
  • From a self-interested motive, Mr. Sandford—that I might have a greater respect for you.
  • Extract from : « A Simple Story » by Mrs. Inchbald
  • She was happy and self-interested, chattering about the ride and the train.
  • Extract from : « Jennie Gerhardt » by Theodore Dreiser
  • How could I help contrasting his generosity with your self-interested selfishness?
  • Extract from : « The Limit » by Ada Leverson
  • And still worse, to the self-interested action of vestrymen.
  • Extract from : « The Sanitary Evolution of London » by Henry Lorenzo Jephson
  • What trust he had reposed in this vile, self-interested, heartless woman!
  • Extract from : « Vendetta » by Marie Corelli
  • Some actions done with a self-interested motive are public benefits.
  • Extract from : « Logic, Inductive and Deductive » by William Minto
  • All actions done with a self-interested motive are private vices.
  • Extract from : « Logic, Inductive and Deductive » by William Minto
  • It is rather and only a change of governor—that is, instead of self-interested proprietaries, a gracious king.
  • Extract from : « Benjamin Franklin » by John Torrey Morse, Jr.
  • He suspected that Firmstone was at least self-interested, if not self-seeking; therefore he assumed him to be unscrupulous.
  • Extract from : « Blue Goose » by Frank Lewis Nason
  • I am really not a vulgar, greedy doctor pushing myself into a case with which I have no concern, for some self-interested motive.
  • Extract from : « Bella Donna » by Robert Hichens

Synonyms for self-interested

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019