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ulterior motivea hidden or secret reason for doing something, especially one that is selfish or dishonest

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a hidden or secret reason for doing something, especially one that is selfish or dishonest

Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌlˈtɪriər ˈmoʊtɪv/

Example Sentences

  • His sudden interest in cooking had an ulterior motive - impressing his new girlfriend.
  • The politician's charity work was questioned for having ulterior motives related to the upcoming election.
  • She wondered if her cat's sudden affection had an ulterior motive - like wanting extra treats.

ulterior motive

NOUN

[/ʌlˈtɪriər ˈmoʊtɪv/]

a hidden or secret reason for doing something, especially one that is selfish or dishonest

He offered help with flowers, but his ulterior motive was getting her number.
💡 Concept

He offered help with flowers, but his ulterior motive was getting her number.

Superior smile hiding inferior ulterior motives!
🎵 Rhyme

Superior smile hiding inferior ulterior motives!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ʌlˈtɪriər ˈmoʊtɪv/
🇬🇧 UK/ʌlˈtɪəriə ˈməʊtɪv/

🌳Etymology

Rootulter-
Suffix--ior

🎵Rhyme

superiorinferioranterior
superior
inferior
anterior

🔗Collocations

have an ulterior motive
suspect ulterior motives
hidden ulterior motive
question someone's ulterior motive
reveal ulterior motives

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

His sudden interest in cooking had an ulterior motive - impressing his new girlfriend.

The politician's charity work was questioned for having ulterior motives related to the upcoming election.

😄 Fun example

She wondered if her cat's sudden affection had an ulterior motive - like wanting extra treats.

The company's environmental campaign was criticized as having ulterior motives to improve their damaged reputation.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

hidden agendasecret purposecovert intentionselfish reason

Antonyms

genuine motivesincere intentionhonest purpose

Related

agendaconspiracyschememanipulationdeception

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