Ulterior for Dummies

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?