self-interest

/'self'intristid/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: 1. Concern for one's own personal advantage or benefit: A focus on what is advantageous or profitable for oneself. 2. The pursuit of one's own welfare, sometimes disregarding others: Acting based on personal gain, potentially without considering the effects on other people.

Examples of Usage
Advanced Usage
  • "Enlightened self-interest": A philosophy or practice where acting to benefit others is seen as ultimately serving one's own long-term interests. It suggests that being cooperative and ethical is the most beneficial strategy for oneself in the long run.
    • The company's charitable donations are not just altruism; they are a form of enlightened self-interest that builds a positive public image.
Variants and Related Words
  • Self-interested (adjective): Characterized by concern for one's own advantage.
    • He made a self-interested choice to support the policy that would lower his taxes.
  • Self-serving (adjective): Having the same core meaning as "self-interested," but often with a stronger negative connotation of seeking gain in a way that is unfair or manipulative.
Synonyms
  • Selfishness: A stronger, more negative term implying a lack of consideration for others.
  • Egoism: A philosophical term for an ethical theory that places self-interest as the foundation of morality, or more generally, excessive concern for oneself.
  • Self-seeking: The active pursuit of one's own interests, especially in a determined or opportunistic way.
Antonyms
  • Altruism: The principle or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
  • Selflessness: The quality of being more concerned with the needs of others than with one's own.
  • Generosity: The readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary or expected.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "To look out for number one": (Idiomatic) To prioritize one's own interests above all else. This is a colloquial expression for acting out of self-interest.
    • In that competitive industry, you really have to look out for number one.
Noun
  1. concern for your own interests and welfare
  2. taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ trái nghĩa