ulterior motive
C1Formal / Standard
Definition
Meaning
A hidden, true reason for doing something, distinct from the reason given.
An unstated, often selfish or manipulative, purpose underlying an action or statement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always carries a negative, distrustful connotation; implies deception or a lack of transparency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; frequency is similar.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both formal and informal contexts across the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to have an ulterior motive (for doing something)to suspect someone of having an ulterior motiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have an axe to grind”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when suspecting a counterpart's proposal is not in mutual interest.
Academic
Used in psychology, political science, or literary analysis to discuss characters' or actors' hidden drives.
Everyday
Used in social situations to express suspicion about someone's kindness or suggestions.
Technical
Rare in hard sciences; more common in legal, negotiation, or ethics discussions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The offer seemed generous, but she wondered about his ulterior motives.
American English
- His friendly advice made her suspect an ulterior motive.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He helped her, but maybe he had an ulterior motive.
- I'm sceptical of his sudden interest in the project; I suspect an ulterior motive.
- The charity's proposal was rejected by the board, who feared it masked a political ulterior motive.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ULTIMATE motive' hidden UNDER (ulterior) the surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH IS HIDDEN BELOW THE SURFACE / COMMUNICATION IS A LAYERED OBJECT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation; 'ulterior' is not 'ultimate'. Equivalent phrase: 'скрытый мотив' or 'тайный умысел'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ulterior' alone as a noun (e.g., 'He has an ulterior.'). It is only used in the fixed phrase 'ulterior motive'.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'ulterior motive' imply?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. The phrase inherently suggests a hidden, self-serving, or deceptive purpose.
It is standard and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express suspicion.
They are very close synonyms. 'Hidden agenda' might imply a more complex, premeditated plan, while 'ulterior motive' focuses on the underlying personal reason.
Rarely. 'Ulterior' is an adjective meaning 'existing beyond what is obvious or admitted' and is almost exclusively used with 'motive' or occasionally 'purpose'.