Ulterior
/ʌlˈtɪəriər/noun
Situated beyond or farther away; more remote or hidden, especially in purpose or motive.
Did you know?Ulterior comes from Latin *ulterior*, the comparative of *ulter* (“beyond, on the farther side”), a word tied to distance rather than deception — the shady meaning came later.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂el- / *h₂eltero-
“A distant or farther-away idea, the source of words for “other” and “farther” in Indo-European languages.”
Latin
Latin
ulter
“Beyond, on the farther side.”
Latin
Latin
ulterior
“Farther, more remote; farther on the opposite side.”
Late Latin
Latin
ulterior
“Used figuratively for something more remote or hidden.”
14th Century
English
ulterior
“Farther away; later, hidden, or not immediately obvious.”
Modern English
English
ulterior
“Hidden in motive or purpose, especially in the phrase “ulterior motive.””