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Ulterior for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: ʌl'tɪriɝr

What does Ulterior really mean?

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Student: What does "ulterior" mean?

Teacher: Ah, "ulterior" is an interesting word that can be a little bit tricky to grasp at first, but don't worry, I'm here to help you understand it! So, when we say that something is "ulterior," we mean that there is a hidden, secret, or sneaky motive or purpose behind someone's actions or words. It's like when someone says or does something, but there's more to it than what meets the eye. Like a magician who performs tricks but keeps the real secret hidden.

Let me give you an example. Have you ever seen a movie or read a book where one character pretends to be nice to another character, but deep down they have a hidden agenda? Like a villain who pretends to be a friend but is actually planning something dishonest or harmful? That hidden agenda, that secret plot or motive, is what we call "ulterior." It's like a secret passageway in a castle that leads to a secret treasure room.

But wait, there's more! "Ulterior" can also be used to describe something that is beyond what we can see or perceive, like a hidden meaning or intention. It's like trying to solve a puzzle where the answer is not obvious at first, but if you look closely, you might discover a hidden clue that leads you to the real answer.

So, to sum it up, "ulterior" means having a hidden or secret motive or purpose, like a puppeteer pulling the strings behind a puppet, or a treasure hidden in a secret room in a castle. It can also mean something that is not immediately obvious, like a hidden clue in a puzzle. It's all about things being more than what they initially seem.

I hope that makes sense! Do you have any more questions about this word?


Revised and Fact checked by James Brown on 2023-10-28 01:12:28

Ulterior In a sentece

Learn how to use Ulterior inside a sentece

  • Sarah pretended to be nice to her classmates, but her ulterior motive was to get their help with her homework.
  • Thomas always acts like he doesn't care, but his ulterior goal is to impress his crush.
  • The politician promised to reduce taxes, but his real ulterior motive was to gain votes in the upcoming election.
  • Karen complimented her boss on his presentation, but her ulterior intention was to ask for a raise.
  • The company donated a large sum of money to charity, but their ulterior purpose was to improve their public image.

Ulterior Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

later posterior subterranean subterraneous

Ulterior Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.

covert distant remote subsequent