Dictionary

ulterior

adjective ul·te·ri·or \ˌəl-ˈtir-ē-ər\

: kept hidden in order to get a particular result

Full Definition of ULTERIOR

b : more distant

c : situated on the farther side

: going beyond what is openly said or shown and especially what is proper <ulterior motives>

— ul·te·ri·or·ly adverb

See ulterior defined for English-language learners

See ulterior defined for kids

Latin, farther, further, comparative of *ulter situated beyond, from uls beyond; akin to Latin ollus, ille, that one, Old Irish indoll beyond

First Known Use: 1646

ULTERIOR Defined for Kids

adjective ul·te·ri·or \ˌəl-ˈtir-ē-ər\

: kept hidden usually on purpose <ulterior motives>

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