Alterior vs. Ulterior — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 22, 2024
"Alterior" is an incorrect spelling, while "Ulterior" is the correct term often referring to hidden motives or purposes.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Alterior or Ulterior
How to spell Ulterior?
Alterior
Incorrect Spelling
Ulterior
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of “ultra” (meaning beyond) to recall the “ul-” start.
Recite “Ul-teri-or” to familiarize with its sound and structure.
Associate "Ulterior" with "Underlying" to remember the "U" at the beginning.
Remember, it's not "alter" (to change) but "ulter" pointing towards something hidden.
Visualize a hidden room as an "Ulterior" chamber to connect with its meaning.
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How Do You Spell Ulterior Correctly?
Incorrect: He kept insisting there were no alterior meanings in his words.
Correct: He kept insisting there were no ulterior meanings in his words.
Incorrect: She thought he had an alterior purpose for visiting.
Correct: She thought he had an ulterior purpose for visiting.
Incorrect: Alterior motives led him to offer help.
Correct: Ulterior motives led him to offer help.
Incorrect: She believed there was an alterior reason behind the invitation.
Correct: She believed there was an ulterior reason behind the invitation.
Incorrect: They suspected the proposal had an alterior goal.
Correct: They suspected the proposal had an ulterior goal.
Ulterior Definitions
Existing beyond what is obvious or admitted.
She had an ulterior motive for helping him.
Further than what is immediately perceived.
There's always an ulterior story to every rumor.
Hidden or undisclosed.
The document had an ulterior section that was kept confidential.
Lying beyond what is evident, revealed, or avowed, especially being concealed intentionally so as to deceive
An ulterior motive.
Lying beyond or outside the area of immediate interest.
Occurring later; subsequent.
Situated beyond, or on the farther side.
Beyond what is obvious or evident.
Being intentionally concealed so as to deceive.
(archaic) Happening later; subsequent.
Situated beyond, or on the farther side; thither; - correlative with hither.
Further; remoter; more distant; succeeding; as, ulterior demands or propositions; ulterior views; what ulterior measures will be adopted is uncertain.
Ulterior side or part.
Lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed);
Subterranean motives for murder
Looked too closely for an ulterior purpose in all knowledge
Beyond or outside an area of immediate interest; remote;
A suggestion ulterior to the present discussion
Without...any purpose, immediate or ulterior
Coming at a subsequent time or stage;
The future president entered college at the age of 16
Awaiting future actions on the bill
Later developments
Without ulterior argument
Later, subsequent, or future.
His ulterior plans involve traveling the world.
Intentionally concealed to deceive or mislead.
His kindness hid an ulterior agenda.
Ulterior Meaning in a Sentence
She hid her ulterior motive of wanting to win favor with her boss by working overtime.
The movie's plot twist revealed the character's ulterior motive for helping the hero.
His offer to help seemed genuine, but she suspected an ulterior motive.
His ulterior motive for attending the event was to network, not to enjoy the party.
The ulterior reason for his frequent visits was to see someone else.
The ulterior reason for the meeting was not discussed openly.
She feared there was an ulterior motive behind the company's generous offer.
The ulterior motive behind his flattery was to gain her trust.
Everyone at the table was thinking about the ulterior implications of the merger.
He kept his ulterior motives hidden, always playing the part of the loyal friend.
There seemed to be an ulterior motive for her sudden interest in his well-being.
The novel's protagonist had ulterior motives for joining the expedition.
She had an ulterior reason for wanting to move to the city, one she wouldn't admit.
The ulterior purpose of the rule change was to benefit the committee members.
The gift came with ulterior motives, as he later discovered.
Her ulterior reason for volunteering was to get closer to someone she admired.
His ulterior motive for learning the trade was not passion but profit.
The documentary hinted at ulterior reasons behind the policy change.
The ulterior motive of his constant compliments was to make her feel indebted.
She had an ulterior motive for always asking about his weekend plans.
Ulterior Idioms & Phrases
Ulterior agenda
A hidden plan or goal that is not openly acknowledged.
The politician's support for the law hinted at an ulterior agenda.
Ulterior plan
A secret plan not revealed to others.
He seemed supportive, but she feared he had an ulterior plan.
Ulterior intentions
Hidden purposes behind one's actions that are not immediately obvious.
Despite his friendly approach, she was wary of his ulterior intentions.
Ulterior interest
A hidden interest in something or someone, not openly expressed.
His questions about her project revealed an ulterior interest.
With no ulterior motive
Acting without a hidden agenda or secret reason.
He genuinely wanted to help, with no ulterior motive.
Ulterior motive
A hidden or secret reason for doing something.
He offered to help her move, but she suspected he had an ulterior motive.
Ulterior reason behind
The hidden cause or rationale for something.
There was an ulterior reason behind his sudden departure from the company.
Ulterior purpose
A secret reason for doing something, different from the reason given.
The committee's decision had an ulterior purpose that was not initially clear.
Ulterior gain
A benefit or advantage sought secretly.
The partnership offered him an opportunity for ulterior gain.
Ulterior design
A concealed scheme or strategy.
She couldn't help but feel there was an ulterior design to his sudden kindness.
Ulterior objective
A goal that someone is trying to achieve, not disclosed openly.
The new policy had an ulterior objective that many didn't see coming.
With ulterior motives in play
When actions are influenced by hidden reasons.
With ulterior motives in play, the agreement needed careful scrutiny.
Ulterior motive in mind
Thinking or planning with a hidden reason.
He accepted the job offer with an ulterior motive in mind.
Ulterior motive behind the smile
A hidden reason for appearing friendly or happy.
Her welcoming smile had an ulterior motive behind it.
Ulterior ambition
A hidden desire for personal achievement or gain.
His volunteer work was commendable, but it masked an ulterior ambition.
Keep an ulterior motive
To maintain a hidden reason for one's actions.
She kept an ulterior motive for participating in the contest.
Ulterior tactics
Strategies used with hidden purposes.
The negotiation employed ulterior tactics to sway the outcome.
Ulterior involvement
Participation or involvement with a secret purpose.
His ulterior involvement in the project was to gain insider information.
Ulterior influence
A hidden force or influence affecting outcomes.
There was an ulterior influence affecting the board's decision.
No ulterior motive
Honestly without any hidden agenda.
He assured her there was no ulterior motive behind his offer to help.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Ulterior?
The term "ulterior" derives from the Latin word "ulterior," meaning "more distant" or "further," indicating something beyond what's immediate or evident.
What is the root word of Ulterior?
The root is the Latin word "ulterior."
Which vowel is used before Ulterior?
The vowel "o" often comes before "ulterior" as in "an ulterior motive."
What is the verb form of Ulterior?
"Ulterior" doesn't have a direct verb form, but it's related to the idea of hiding or concealing.
Is Ulterior an adverb?
No, "Ulterior" is not an adverb.
What is the singular form of Ulterior?
"Ulterior" is already in its singular form.
Which preposition is used with Ulterior?
"With" is commonly used, as in "with ulterior motives."
Is Ulterior an abstract noun?
No, "Ulterior" is an adjective.
Is Ulterior a negative or positive word?
It is neutral, but context can give it a negative connotation, especially when referring to hidden motives.
What is the pronunciation of Ulterior?
It's pronounced as /ʌlˈtɪriər/.
Which conjunction is used with Ulterior?
Any conjunction can be used based on the sentence, such as "and" or "but."
Is the Ulterior term a metaphor?
By itself, no, but it can be used metaphorically in certain contexts.
Is Ulterior a noun or adjective?
"Ulterior" is an adjective.
Is Ulterior a countable noun?
"Ulterior" is not a noun; it's an adjective.
Is the word Ulterior imperative?
No, "Ulterior" is not in the imperative form.
Is the word Ulterior a gerund?
No, "Ulterior" is not a gerund.
What is a stressed syllable in Ulterior?
The second syllable, "te," is stressed.
Which determiner is used with Ulterior?
Determiners like "an" or "the" can be used, as in "an ulterior motive."
What is the first form of Ulterior?
"Ulterior" doesn't have verb forms as it's an adjective.
What is the plural form of Ulterior?
"Ulterior" is an adjective and doesn't have a plural form.
Is the word “Ulterior” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As an adjective, "Ulterior" does not function as a direct or indirect object.
How many syllables are in Ulterior?
There are four syllables.
Is Ulterior a vowel or consonant?
"Ulterior" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
How do we divide Ulterior into syllables?
Ul-te-ri-or.
What part of speech is Ulterior?
"Ulterior" is an adjective.
What is another term for Ulterior?
Another term could be "hidden" or "underlying."
What is the second form of Ulterior?
Again, "Ulterior" doesn't have verb forms.
Which article is used with Ulterior?
"An" is used when referring to "an ulterior motive."
Is Ulterior a collective noun?
No, "Ulterior" is an adjective.
What is the third form of Ulterior?
As stated, "Ulterior" is an adjective and doesn't have verb forms.
What is the opposite of Ulterior?
The opposite could be "overt" or "apparent."
How is Ulterior used in a sentence?
"She seemed helpful, but many believed she had ulterior motives."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
