Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being ulterior; hidden or underlying nature: Refers to a secondary, concealed, or underlying purpose, motive, or meaning that is not immediately apparent.
   • An ulterior matter or concern: Can refer to a specific hidden agenda, a secret intention, or a secondary consideration that influences actions or statements.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Their conversation was limited to ulteriorities. (Their discussion only concerned hidden agendas or underlying motives.)
  • A terrible feeling of ulteriority. (An awful sense that there is a hidden, possibly sinister, purpose.)
  • His stories were too susceptible to ulteriority. (His narratives were too easily interpreted as having a concealed meaning or motive.)

Advanced Usage

• Psychological or literary analysis: The term is often used in contexts analyzing character motivation, subtext in communication, or the interpretation of art, where surface-level explanations are insufficient.
  • The critic focused on the ulteriority of the character's generosity, suggesting it was driven by guilt.
• Formal or academic register: "Ulteriority" is a formal word, typically found in literary criticism, philosophical discourse, or sophisticated analysis rather than everyday conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Ulterior (adj): Existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden.
  • She questioned his ulterior motives for offering help.
• Ulteriorly (adv): In an ulterior manner.

Synonyms

• Hidden agenda: A secret or underlying plan.
• Subtext: An underlying and often distinct theme in a piece of writing or conversation.
• Latency: The state of existing but not yet being developed or manifest; hidden potential.
• Undertone: An underlying quality or feeling.

Antonyms

• Overtness: The quality of being open and observable.
• Candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.
• Manifestness: The quality of being clear or obvious to the eye or mind.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• To have an ulterior motive: To have a hidden reason for doing something.
  • He was friendly, but I suspected he had an ulterior motive.
• Reading between the lines: Looking for or understanding a hidden meaning.
  • To understand the letter, you had to read between the lines for its ulteriority.

Noun

1. the quality of being ulterior
   • their conversation was limited to ulteriorities
   • a terrible feeling of ulteriority
   • his stories were too susceptible to ulteriority