Ulterior Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ulterior
ul-te-ri-or
Definition
hidden motive
The term 'ulterior' refers to something that is not apparent or is kept hidden, especially regarding motives or intentions. It suggests that there is another agenda or reason behind someone's actions that is not immediately obvious.
Synonyms
covert, disguised, hidden, secret.
Examples of usage
- She had ulterior motives for helping him.
- His pleasant demeanor masked his ulterior intentions.
- They questioned whether his support came from an ulterior motive.
Translations
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Quick facts about “ulterior”
Ulterior is a 4-syllable adjective (ul-te-ri-or). It is pronounced /əɫˈtɪɹiɝ/ in American English and /ʌltˈiəɹɪɐ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #19,140 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'ulterior'
The word 'ulterior' comes from the Latin word 'ulterior', which means 'further, more distant'. It is derived from 'ultra', meaning 'beyond' or 'further'. The term emerged in English usage during the late 19th century. Initially, the word was used to indicate something that was beyond what was stated or seen. Over time, its usage evolved to describe hidden or secret motives behind actions. This shift reflects a broader tendency in language to ascribe intentions that are not immediately apparent. 'Ulterior' fits within a family of related terms that connote a sense of concealment, further emphasizing the complexity of human interactions and motivations.
Rhymes
Ulterior rhymes with superior, interior, anterior, inferior, exterior, cheerier and centerior.