How to pronounce altruism
Say it like AL-troo-iz-um. Altruism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce altruism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AL
- troo
- iz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Altruism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- trooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- izGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of altruism
American and British speakers say altruism in essentially the same way: /ˈæltruˌɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈæltruːˌɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: AL-troo-iz-um.
What does altruism mean?
- Regard for others, both natural and moral without regard for oneself; devotion to the interests of others; brotherly kindness.
- Action or behavior that benefits another or others at some cost to the performer.
Where does altruism come from?
From French altruisme, which was coined in 1830 by Auguste Comte from autrui (“of or to others”) + -isme, from Old French, from Latin alteri, dative of alter (“other”) (whence also English alter).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying altruism
How do you pronounce altruism?
Say AL-troo-iz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈæltruˌɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈæltruːˌɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in altruism?
Altruism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL). Broken into parts: AL · troo · iz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say altruism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæltruˌɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈæltruːˌɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.