Public-spirited, a.
1. Having, or exercising, a disposition to advance the interest of the community or public; as, public-spirited men.
2. Dictated by a regard to public good; as, a public-spirited project or measure. Addison. -- Pub"lic-spir`it*ed*ly, adv. -- Pub"lic-spir`it*ed*ness, n.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists public-spirited only as an antonym, under venal.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given