Alterior vs. Ulterior — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 28, 2023
"Alterior" is an incorrect spelling, while "Ulterior" is the correct term often referring to hidden motives or purposes.

Which is correct: Alterior or Ulterior
How to spell Ulterior?

Alterior
Incorrect Spelling

Ulterior
Correct Spelling
Difference Between Alterior and Ulterior
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Think of “ultra” (meaning beyond) to recall the “ul-” start.

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Recite “Ul-teri-or” to familiarize with its sound and structure.

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Associate "Ulterior" with "Underlying" to remember the "U" at the beginning.

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Remember, it's not "alter" (to change) but "ulter" pointing towards something hidden.

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Visualize a hidden room as an "Ulterior" chamber to connect with its meaning.

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Definitions
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Ulterior➦
Existing beyond what is obvious or admitted.
She had an ulterior motive for helping him.

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Ulterior➦
Further than what is immediately perceived.
There's always an ulterior story to every rumor.

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Ulterior➦
Hidden or undisclosed.
The document had an ulterior section that was kept confidential.

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Ulterior➦
Lying beyond what is evident, revealed, or avowed, especially being concealed intentionally so as to deceive
An ulterior motive.

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Ulterior➦
Situated beyond, or on the farther side; thither; - correlative with hither.

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Ulterior➦
Further; remoter; more distant; succeeding; as, ulterior demands or propositions; ulterior views; what ulterior measures will be adopted is uncertain.

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Ulterior➦
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

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Ulterior➦
Beyond or outside an area of immediate interest; remote;
A suggestion ulterior to the present discussion
Without...any purpose, immediate or ulterior

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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

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Ulterior➦
Later, subsequent, or future.
His ulterior plans involve traveling the world.

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Ulterior➦
Intentionally concealed to deceive or mislead.
His kindness hid an ulterior agenda.

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FAQs
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.

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Which vowel is used before Ulterior?
The vowel "o" often comes before "ulterior" as in "an ulterior motive."

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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.

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What is the singular form of Ulterior?
"Ulterior" is already in its singular form.

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Which preposition is used with Ulterior?
"With" is commonly used, as in "with ulterior motives."

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Is Ulterior a negative or positive word?
It is neutral, but context can give it a negative connotation, especially when referring to hidden motives.

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Which conjunction is used with Ulterior?
Any conjunction can be used based on the sentence, such as "and" or "but."

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Is the Ulterior term a metaphor?
By itself, no, but it can be used metaphorically in certain contexts.

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Is the word Ulterior imperative?
No, "Ulterior" is not in the imperative form.

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What is a stressed syllable in Ulterior?
The second syllable, "te," is stressed.

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Which determiner is used with Ulterior?
Determiners like "an" or "the" can be used, as in "an ulterior motive."

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What is the first form of Ulterior?
"Ulterior" doesn't have verb forms as it's an adjective.

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What is the plural form of Ulterior?
"Ulterior" is an adjective and doesn't have a plural form.

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Is the word “Ulterior” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As an adjective, "Ulterior" does not function as a direct or indirect object.

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Is Ulterior a vowel or consonant?
"Ulterior" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.

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What is another term for Ulterior?
Another term could be "hidden" or "underlying."

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What is the second form of Ulterior?
Again, "Ulterior" doesn't have verb forms.

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Which article is used with Ulterior?
"An" is used when referring to "an ulterior motive."

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What is the third form of Ulterior?
As stated, "Ulterior" is an adjective and doesn't have verb forms.

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What is the opposite of Ulterior?
The opposite could be "overt" or "apparent."

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How is Ulterior used in a sentence?
"She seemed helpful, but many believed she had ulterior motives."

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Author Spotlight

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.