Ulterior: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：hidden motive (ulterior)

ulterior 🔊

/ʌlˈtɪəriər/

adj.

A reason or purpose that someone hides, different from the one they say or show.

hidden motive 🔊

➕

/ˈhɪdən ˈmoʊtɪv/

adj.

Describes an underlying reason that is kept secret, often for personal gain, while presenting a different outward reason.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'ulterior' (farther), comparative of 'ulter' (beyond). Implies beyond what is stated.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'alter' - you alter your true story. 'Ulterior' sounds like 'alter', so you alter what you reveal.

📖 Example

He offered to help me with my homework every day, but I suspect he had an ulterior motive because I saw him blushing when he talked to me. 🔊 He offered to help me with my homework every day, but I suspect he had an ulterior motive because I saw him blushing when he talked to me.

🔗 Collocations

ulterior motive – a hidden reason for doing something

ulterior purpose – a secret aim behind an action

ulterior reason – an undisclosed cause for behavior

🔄 Synonyms

hidden (adj.) – kept out of sight; concealed

secret (adj.) – not known or seen by others; covert

undisclosed (adj.) – not revealed or made known

🚫 Antonyms

overt (adj.) – in the open; not secret

apparent (adj.) – clearly visible or understood

declared (adj.) – openly stated or announced

🌱 Derivatives

ulteriorly (adv.) – in an ulterior manner; with hidden motives

📖 Cultural Story

First used in 17th century in Latin for 'farther'. Shifted to 'hidden' in legal contexts. Common in modern psychology and politics.