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Meaning & use

ulterior motive

phrase·Academicdisapproving

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UK/ʌlˌtɪəriə ˈməʊtɪv/
US/ʌlˌtɪriər ˈmoʊtɪv/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrasedisapproving

    A hidden reason for doing something, usually one that benefits you and that you do not want others to know.

    Grammar: A countable noun phrase: have an ulterior motive, with an ulterior motive.

    Patterns

    • have an ulterior motive
    • an ulterior motive for something

    I suspect she has an ulterior motive for being so friendly.

    He insisted that his offer had no ulterior motive.

    The company's kindness hid an ulterior motive.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    A secret purpose behind an action that seems to have another aim.

    Grammar: Often plural: ulterior motives.

    Patterns

    • ulterior motives behind something

    Voters questioned the ulterior motives behind the campaign.

    The gift came with an ulterior motive, namely a favor later.

    She asked herself what ulterior motives her guest might have.

Word forms

pluralulterior motives

Common combinations

have an ulterior motive
I think the salesman has an ulterior motive.
no ulterior motive
I have no ulterior motive; I simply want to help.
suspect an ulterior motive
She suspected an ulterior motive behind the flattery.
hidden ulterior motive
A hidden ulterior motive spoiled the deal.
an ulterior motive for
He had an ulterior motive for joining the club.

Synonyms and how they differ

hidden agenda
Hidden agenda is more everyday and implies a secret plan, while ulterior motive focuses on a concealed reason.
secret purpose
Secret purpose is neutral and plain, but ulterior motive sounds more suspicious.
ulterior purpose
Ulterior purpose is rarer and more formal, but it carries the same suspicion.
pretext
A pretext is a false reason given to hide the real one, while an ulterior motive is the real reason itself.

Opposites

honest reason

Word family

ulterior adjective
deliberately hidden or beyond what is stated
motive noun
a reason for doing something
motivate verb
to give someone a reason to act
motivation noun
the reason or drive to act

Commonly confused: ulterior motive or ulterior?

ulterior motive vs ulterior

Ulterior is not a general word for later; in modern English it almost only appears in ulterior motive.

Practice

She offered to drive me to the airport, but I suspected she had an ___ because she wanted to borrow my car.

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