prosocial

adjective

pro·​so·​cial (ˌ)prō-ˈsō-shəl How to pronounce prosocial (audio)
variants or pro-social
: intended to help or benefit another person or group
The capacity to notice the distress of others, and to be moved by it, can be a critical component of what is called prosocial behavior, actions that benefit others: individuals, groups or society as a whole.Perri Klass
This research implies that toddlers are wired for learning pro-social behaviors, and will develop them if they are modeled in the context of a supportive relationship.Heather Neal
… experiences such as abuse can also prohibit people from acting in prosocial ways.Alia E. Dastagir
also : relating to or promoting behavior that benefits others or society
a prosocial family/group
Prosocial emotions like empathy motivate us to benefit others in our group. Eoin O'Carroll
… quieting fear-related memories is apparently so potent in its prosocial effects—making people friendlier, more compassionate, even more loving—that it underscores how unchecked fear memories can make people antisocial and miserable. Scott A. Small

Examples of prosocial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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To truly fulfill the promise of prosocial AI, developers must ensure that their systems are trained on diverse datasets, reflecting the full spectrum of disability experiences​, a wide range of demographic groups, and social profiles. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Nickelodeon’s Kids Pick the President is part of Our World, the brand’s global prosocial initiative to inspire kids and provide them with tools to activate their individual and collective agency. Denise Petski, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 This involves advocating for ethical, prosocial AI use and ensuring that these systems are designed with fairness, inclusivity, and the collective good in mind. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Choudhury found the pairs of migrants and locals crafted plans with more prosocial, community-serving ideas. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prosocial 

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosocial was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near prosocial

Cite this Entry

“Prosocial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosocial. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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