A person who helps others is often described as altruistic. This word refers to someone who shows selfless concern for the well-being of others and acts out of a desire to help without expecting anything in return.
Top Words That Describe a Helpful Person
There are several words in English that capture different shades of meaning when talking about someone who helps others. Here’s a list of the most common and powerful ones:
| Word | Definition | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Altruistic | Selflessly concerned for others’ well-being | She’s known for her altruistic nature and constant support of local charities. |
| Supportive | Providing encouragement or emotional help | He’s always been a supportive friend in tough times. |
| Compassionate | Showing sympathy and concern for others | The nurse was deeply compassionate toward her patients. |
| Selfless | Putting others’ needs before one’s own | His selfless decision to volunteer abroad inspired many. |
| Generous | Willing to give help, money, or time freely | They were generous donors to the community project. |
| Philanthropic | Engaged in promoting the welfare of others, especially through donations | The billionaire was praised for her philanthropic efforts worldwide. |
| Humanitarian | Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare | He was awarded for his humanitarian work in disaster zones. |
When to Use Each Term
While all these words describe people who help others, the context determines which word fits best:
- Altruistic – for truly selfless actions
- Supportive – for emotional or moral help
- Compassionate – when empathy and caring are emphasized
- Generous – when time, money, or resources are given freely
- Philanthropic – typically refers to wealthy individuals helping at scale
- Humanitarian – often used for global or emergency help efforts
FAQ
What is the best word to describe someone who always helps?
“Altruistic” or “selfless” are often the best choices, especially if the person expects nothing in return.
Is there a difference between generous and altruistic?
Yes. “Generous” often refers to giving resources like money or time, while “altruistic” implies deeper selflessness and concern for others’ well-being.
Can you be supportive without being altruistic?
Yes. Being supportive means offering help or encouragement, but it doesn’t always require full selflessness like altruism does.
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