self-forgetfulness
A person shows self-forgetfulness by helping a stranger carry heavy groceries.
Noun: 1. The quality of being unselfish: "self-forgetfulness" refers to the state of being so focused on others or a task that one is unaware of or disregards one's own interests, needs, or ego. It implies a lack of self-consciousness or selfishness.
- (Her unselfish dedication to others.)
- (Total absorption in the work, ignoring personal concerns.)
- (A selfless act of sacrifice.)
"in a state of self-forgetfulness": to be completely absorbed in something beyond oneself.
- The monk meditated in a state of self-forgetfulness, losing all sense of personal identity. (A deep, egoless concentration.)
"to practice self-forgetfulness": to deliberately cultivate unselfishness.
- She practiced self-forgetfulness by always putting her children's needs before her own. (A habitual attitude of self-sacrifice.)
Self-forgetful (adj): characterized by self-forgetfulness.
- His self-forgetful attitude made him a beloved leader. (He was unselfish and humble.)
Self-forgetting (adj): same as self-forgetful.
- Her self-forgetting devotion to the cause was remarkable. (She forgot her own interests for the cause.)
- Unselfishness: the quality of not being selfish; generosity.
- Selflessness: complete concern for others rather than oneself.
- Altruism: the principle of unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
- Abnegation: the act of renouncing or rejecting something (especially one's own interests).
To lose oneself in something: to become so absorbed in an activity that one forgets personal concerns.
- She lost herself in her volunteer work, a perfect example of self-forgetfulness. (She became completely absorbed and unselfish.)
To put others first: to prioritize the needs of others over one's own.
- His self-forgetfulness was evident in how he always put others first. (He consistently prioritized others.)