Some people are eager to please others, to the point where they’ll literally do anything for someone else. It will help to know a few words to describe these types of people. That’s where this article comes in, and we’ll help you come up with good ones.
What Do You Call Someone Who Is Willing To Do Anything For Someone Else?
There are many good words available to use for this case. Try out one of the following to see which you like best:
- Selfless
- Altruistic
- Self-sacrificing
- Devoted
- Loving
- Caring
- Pushover
- People pleaser
- Complaisant
- Subservient
- Servile
- Slavish
The preferred version is “selfless” if you want to be positive or “pushover” if you want to be negative. There are two different connotations surrounding someone who will do anything for someone else, and we will cover both in the following sections.
Selfless
“Selfless” is a great way to show that someone is always willing to do anything for someone else. If someone says they are unhappy or need help, a selfless person will be the first to help them.
The definition of “selfless,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “caring more for what other people need and want rather than for what you yourself need and want.”
- Your selfless acts prove that you really care about the people in your life, and I appreciate that.
- I’m very selfless, and I’ll make sure everyone around me is as happy as they can be.
- You should be more selfless. You might be surprised by how it makes you feel.
Altruistic
“Altruistic” people usually offer charity or aid when they are required. If someone is in need, they’ll happily provide whatever is needed to make sure they no longer require help.
The definition of “altruistic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “showing a wish to help or bring advantages to others, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself.”
- If you’re not altruistic, then I don’t see why you try. It’s more fun to give to people when they need it.
- I’m altruistic when it counts. I’ll do anything to please and look after the people around me.
- I’m far too altruistic for my own good sometimes, but that’s the way I like to live.
Self-Sacrificing
“Self-sacrificing” people will often give up a lot of what they have to make others feel better. For example, if they have plenty of time spare, they will give it up to help someone else if it makes the other person’s life easier.
The definition of “self-sacrificing,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “giving up what they want so that other people can have what they want.”
- I’m far too self-sacrificing for my own good sometimes. But I like the way it makes others feel.
- You should be a little more self-sacrificing toward the people you love.
- She’s self-sacrificing, which is why she doesn’t appear to have much, but she has a lot of value in her life.
Devoted
“Devoted” is a great way to show that we care deeply about someone. This care is more than enough when it comes to doing anything in our power to make them happy.
The definition of “devoted,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “extremely loving and loyal.”
- You’re quite devoted, aren’t you? I really like that about you.
- As a devoted husband, it is my duty to make sure my wife is as happy as she can possibly be.
- I’d love to have someone devoted to me in my life. Knowing they’re doing everything to please me would make me happy.
Loving
Similar to “devoted,” we can use “loving” to show that we are very fond of someone. We will often do everything with love to show that we are there for others.
The definition of “loving,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “showing a lot of love towards someone.”
- She’s a loving wife, and she’ll always get the little things done for me to make my life easier.
- I’m a loving boyfriend, so I’ll do anything to please the girl I love.
- She’s very loving. I think you should give her more of a chance before writing her off.
Caring
The last positive word is “caring.” We can use it when we want to show that we are supportive in every way. We will make sure all the people in our lives are as happy as they can be if we are “caring.”
The definition of “caring,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “kind and gives emotional support to others.”
- I’m very caring, so I’ll happily do anything as long as the people I love are happy.
- You should be more caring. If you did more for the people you care about, you’d be surprised by how you feel.
- I’d like to try being more caring, but I simply can’t bring myself to do it. I’m just not into that feeling!
Pushover
“Pushover” is the best negative word we can use. It shows that someone is easily walked all over. If someone wants something, you can expect a pushover to do anything for them to make sure they get it.
The definition of “pushover,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “something that is easy to do or to win, or someone who is easily persuaded or influenced or defeated.”
- He’s a pushover. If you keep telling him you don’t like him, he’ll keep doing things to make you change your mind.
- She’s too much of a pushover for me. I need to be friends with someone of a stronger character.
- Can you stop being a pushover for two seconds? It’s pathetic!
People Pleaser
A “people pleaser” usually cares more about what other people think rather than how they feel. They would care more if someone didn’t like them, so they would act in a way that meant that many people liked them (even if it was more of a fake friendship).
The definition of “people pleaser,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “someone who cares a lot about whether other people like them and always wants others to approve of their actions.”
- Do you have to be such a people pleaser? It’s incredibly annoying, and I don’t care for it.
- He’s a people pleaser, which is why so many people seem to like him. I see through his ruse, though.
- Can we not support the people pleasers anymore, please? They’re clearly trying to do everything to make themselves look friendly.
Complaisant
“Complaisant” is a great way to show that someone is willing to do anything to help others. It can be both positive and negative, but it typically works best in a negative sense to show that someone will do anything to please those around them.
The definition of “complaisant,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “willing to satisfy others by being polite and fitting in with their plans.”
- My husband is quite complaisant toward me. I love that because it’s easier to control him.
- She’s too complaisant for her own good. One of these days, she’s going to get in a lot of trouble.
- I’m too complaisant. I know that, but I don’t know what I should do to stop myself from pleasing others.
Subservient
“Subservient” means that someone is akin to a “servant.” We can use this word when it’s clear that someone else has the subservient person wrapped around their finger. They will ask them to do something, and the subservient person will always help.
The definition of “subservient,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “willing to do what other people want, or considering your wishes as less important than those of other people.”
- As subservient as he is, I do quite like having him around. He’s pathetic, but he’s fun.
- She’s very subservient toward the teacher. Anything he wants her to do, she’ll do it.
- I didn’t want to be this subservient, but I didn’t know how else to please the people around me.
Servile
“Servile” is similar because it uses the root word that “servant” refers to. It shows that someone is eager to serve and please others, meaning they will do anything that is asked of them (even if those things are bad).
The definition of “servile,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “too eager to serve and please someone else in a way that shows you do not have much respect for yourself.”
- Your servile attitude makes it too easy to manipulate you. You should have thought about that before applying here.
- I don’t want to be servile anymore. I’m trying to make amends, but it’s hard because I worry people hate me.
- He’s too servile to be taken seriously. He’ll do anything to please the boss.
Slavish
“Slavish” comes from the root word of “slave.” We can use it to show that someone is always obeying the commands of others around them. It gets to the point where they can’t even think independently anymore.
The definition of “slavish,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “obeying completely and having no original thoughts or ideas.”
- You’re far too slavish to be taken seriously. Why did you think it was good to act like that?
- Stop being so slavish toward her. You can think for yourself, and you don’t need to please her all the time.
- I didn’t mean to sound so slavish with that. I’m really sorry if I came across as desperate!
You may also like: “Anything For You” – Meaning Explained (3 Good Synonyms)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
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et us know if we can do anything for you.
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FOOD & BEVERAGES
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I did that, and then decided it didn’t really do anything for them, but dredging them -LSB-…]
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I can do anything for my Family’s sake as I love family next to God.
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POLITICS
Not sure that it does anything for me, but I’ll go with it.
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INSURANCE
On my computer the painted cabinets look like a dark charcoal (which doesn’t do anything for me), but you said «teal» and I love that color & that jewel tone does go much better with the whole Moroccan feel… plus, yay on the butcher block counters which again warms it up & balances out the b/w (thank goodness they didn’t put in freaky granite that would’ve been a major needle record screech).
HOUSE & HOME
To assume that an adoptive parent or stepparent wouldn’t do anything for their non-biological child is not only ill-informed, it’s incorrect.
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I am an atheist and a realist, your preaching doesn’t do anything for me.
RELIGION
The looks don’t do anything for me, either.
AUTOMOBILES
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I was using an anti wrinkle cream for laugh lines for over a year and it didn’t do anything for me, whereas after drinking this they have disappeared!
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Don’t let a gallery dictate your business, especially if they aren’t doing anything for you.
ART
Deitch developed a reputation as a dealer who would do anything for his artists, and among his important discoveries were Cecily Brown, Dan Colen, and Kehinde Wiley.
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Oscar Wilde caught this very well when he pointed to a certain man and said he did not know why the other was so angry because he, Wilde, had never done anything for him.
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«Three years down the road, being nice to everybody is not doing anything for me.»
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See also:
- Phrases with TO DO ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE
- Synonyms for TO DO ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE (related words and expressions)
In Portuguese, my native language, we have a lot of words for this kind of person, like mandrião, calaceiro, calaça, indolente, malandro, etc. We have also lighter words like preguiçoso that is the equivalent to «lazy» in English, but lazy has other meanings and can be used to someone that does things at low speed.
What words are there in English that have more aggressive power than «lazy», to call a person like that? I thought loser but that has other meanings as I see.
Laurel♦
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asked May 23, 2014 at 8:18
5
From Wikipedia on Hobo:
Unlike «tramps»—who work only when they are forced to, and «bums»—who do not work at all, «hobos» are itinerant workers.
I think bum is the ideal word you want without sounding antiquated or too harsh. If you are looking for harsh, I’d go with «useless waste of space.»
answered May 23, 2014 at 18:34
AnthonyAnthony
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1
Such a person is referred to as an «Idler» or a «Loafer».
He is a person who avoids work or spends time in an aimless or lazy way.
answered May 23, 2014 at 8:27
3
In Australia he’d be a dole-bludger.
Mari-Lou A
88.1k86 gold badges303 silver badges571 bronze badges
answered May 24, 2014 at 23:26
1
Consider:
I would call him aimless, lazy saint, dependent.
answered May 23, 2014 at 9:07
Actually this is difficult. At the moment we deride people who don’t work.
They are slackers, benefit scroungers, parasites (on society?) — the language
is aggressive & hate filled (filthy dossers) — but, of course, not so long ago,
not working was a badge of honour. The much loved Bertie Wooster had a London
flat & a valet (Jeeves). He had no intention of working but the Wodehouse
novels are still in print nearly 100 years later («My Man Jeeves» was published
1n 1919).
So, the unemployed Wooster was a ‘Playboy’ or a ‘Gentleman of Leisure’ (although, in Moscow, in 1919, his status would have been unequivocal).
answered May 23, 2014 at 12:57
1
a procrastinator
To procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.
answered May 23, 2014 at 14:56
In Northern Ireland we would call them «Lead swingers».
answered Jun 29, 2014 at 12:19
Theres an acronym that describes them: NEET
Not in Employment, Education or Training
answered Oct 1, 2014 at 19:54
2
not do anything for (someone)
To not be very impressive, exciting, enjoyable, or desirable for someone. I know you like this color paint for the kitchen, but it just doesn’t do anything for me. I liked the sets and costumes, but as a story the play didn’t do anything for me.
See also: anything, for, not
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
not ˈdo anything/a lot/much for somebody
(informal) used to say that something does not make somebody look attractive: That hairstyle doesn’t do anything for her.
See also: anything, for, lot, much, not, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
- the cat’s whiskers
- all it’s cracked up to be
- page-turner
- variety is the spice of life
- naughty but nice
- be a barrel of laughs
- be a bundle of laughs
- be meat and drink
- be meat and drink to
- be meat and drink to (someone)
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∙ 11y ago
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a favor, should at least be somehting you do for somone without
expecting anything in return… charitable is another
word—————————————————————————
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