Basic Details
Word: Unselfish
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not selfish; putting others' needs before your own.
Synonyms: Selfless, altruistic, generous
Antonyms: Selfish, egotistical, self-centred
Idioms and Phrases
- Not just a pretty face: Refers to someone who is not only attractive but also has other admirable qualities, such as kindness. Example: "She is not just a pretty face; her unselfish nature makes her truly beautiful."
- Pass the baton: To hand over responsibility to someone else, often seen as a selfless act when done to help others. Example: "When he retired, he was proud to pass the baton to his son, showing his unselfish support."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Her unselfish behaviour, always helping others in need, made her a beloved member of the community.
Example 2: During the holiday season, many people demonstrate unselfish acts by donating to charities.
Example 3: His unselfish decision to share his lunch with a friend who forgot theirs shows how kind he is.
Fun Fact
The word "unselfish" was formed by adding the prefix "un-" to "selfish." The prefix indicates the opposite of selfishness, highlighting the importance of selflessness in social interactions.
Famous Quote
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "unselfish" mean?
a) Caring only about oneself
b) Putting others' needs before one's own
c) Being withdrawn from society
d) Being greedy
Answer: b) Putting others' needs before one's own
2. Which of these is a synonym of "unselfish"?
a) Selfish
b) Altruistic
c) Greedy
d) Egoistic
Answer: b) Altruistic
3. Which of these is an antonym of "unselfish"?
a) Generous
b) Kind
c) Selfish
d) Charitable
Answer: c) Selfish
4. Which sentence uses "unselfish" correctly?
a) He was unselfish when he only thought about his own problems.
b) Her unselfish actions inspired many in the group.
c) They were unselfish to ignore the issue at hand.
d) His thoughts were completely unselfish and never considered others.
Answer: b) Her unselfish actions inspired many in the group.
5. Which idiom means demonstrating unselfishness?
a) Not just a pretty face
b) Hit the nail on the head
c) Break the ice
d) Burn the midnight oil
Answer: a) Not just a pretty face
