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What is the best word or phrase for, 'giving without expectation of receiving anything in return.'

English Language & Usage Asked on January 18, 2021

I learned from an earlier thread that the word, love, is not an action verb in English, it is a stative verb. I learned love from the ancient Greek word, Agape, which is to give without expectation of receiving anything return. A common definition of agape is ‘unconditional love,’ but if love is a stative verb, and all states are conditional, then ‘unconditional love’ does not accurately reflect agape. Is there a single English word or phrase that accurately reflects that definition of agape, an action verb, or should I use agape instead?

Furthermore, ‘without expectation’ is a bit impossible, since everything we do includes some degree of expectation. For example, if I agape someone, there is a good chance it’s because it is emotionally pleasing to me (unconscious)…and thus, I get something in return. So, I’m not asking for ‘no’ return, I’m asking for ‘no conscious expectation’ of return.

Edit: I’m looking for the action verb.

He _____ her with affection.

or

She ____ him with admiration.

4 Answers

The term "charity" largely means what you're looking for, but again it's a noun rather verb.

There's "no strings attached"

Without conditions or restrictions, as in They give each of the children $10,000 a year with no strings attached. This expression dates from the mid-1900s, although string in the sense of “a limitation” has been used since the late 1800s.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/no-strings-attached

The phrase "left hand doesn't know what the right is doing" has come to be used to refer to dysfunction, but originally it's from Matthew 6:3

But when thou doest alms, let not thy
left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

This is talking about giving to charity without feeling that you're owed anything due to it.

Answered by Acccumulation on January 18, 2021

I have no verbs to offer. However, you may consider the adjective selfless:

Having, exhibiting or motivated by no concern for oneself but for others (WordHippo)

You could say:

He lavished her with selfless affection. (you could also use loved her)

In your other sentence, I think the adjective sincere would imply "without any thought at the back of her mind":

She overwhelmed him with sincere admiration.

Answered by fev on January 18, 2021

Edit: I'm looking for the action verb.

He gave her with affection freely.

or

She gave him with admiration freely.

To give. of itself, does not imply a motive.

freely = OED:

1.a. Of one's own accord, spontaneously; without constraint or reluctance; unreservedly, without stipulation; readily, willingly.

1774 Story Aeneas & Dido Burlesqued 45 I'd freely give a golden guinea If I could have a pickaninny.

1862 J. Ruskin Unto this Last 82 He may either give it us freely, or demand payment for it.

Answered by Greybeard on January 18, 2021

In amorous (or platonic) relationships, the verb that usually goes with love is requite.

To respond to (another) or do something to or for (another) in return for that person's action or emotion:

"If he love me to madness, I shall never requite him."

(Shakespeare).

[AHD]

But i can see that requite doesn't meet your requirements.

I therefore suggest shower, which AHD defines as—

To give or bestow something liberally or abundantly

To give something in great abundance to: showered their children with affection.

This verb fits the bill quite nicely.

Answered by user405662 on January 18, 2021

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