public spirit
Definition
Noun (uncountable): public spirit refers to a willingness to work for the good of the community or society as a whole, often without personal gain or recognition. It embodies a sense of civic duty and altruism.
Usage Examples
- (She showed a strong willingness to help the community.)
- (The residents acted selflessly for the common good.)
- (He demonstrated a commitment to community welfare.)
Advanced Usage
"to display public spirit": to show a willingness to contribute to the community.
- The mayor displayed public spirit by funding a new park. (The mayor acted for the benefit of the public.)
"lack of public spirit": an absence of concern for the community.
- The lack of public spirit led to the decline of the local library. (People did not care enough to support it.)
Variants and Related Words
- Public-spirited (adj): having or showing public spirit.
- She is a public-spirited citizen who always helps her neighbours. (She is generous and civic-minded.)
- Spirit (n): the core meaning here relates to enthusiasm or dedication, but "public spirit" is a fixed phrase.
Synonyms
- Civic-mindedness: a sense of responsibility toward one's community.
- Community spirit: a feeling of shared purpose and support within a group.
- Altruism: selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Related Idioms
- "For the common good": acting in the interest of everyone, not just oneself.
- They worked for the common good, not for personal profit. (They were motivated by public spirit.)
- "Shoulder to the wheel": putting effort into a collective task.
- With public spirit, everyone put their shoulder to the wheel to rebuild the school. (Everyone worked hard together.)