Have you ever wondered whether alterior or ulterior is the correct spelling? You’re not alone. These words sound somewhat similar, and that can make the spelling confusing. However, ulterior is the correct standard English word, while alterior is generally considered a misspelling.
In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between alterior vs ulterior, their meanings, examples, common mistakes, pronunciation, and an easy memory trick. You’ll also learn how to correctly use ulterior motive, one of the phrase’s most common applications.
Quick Answer
- Ulterior ✅ — Correct standard spelling.
- Alterior ❌ — Incorrect spelling in standard English.
Ulterior generally means something that exists beyond what is immediately obvious, especially a hidden purpose or intention.
Example:
- I suspect he has an ulterior motive for offering to help.
What Do Alterior and Ulterior Mean?
What Is Ulterior?
Ulterior is an adjective that describes something that is hidden, additional, or beyond the obvious purpose or appearance.
The word is especially common in the expression ulterior motive, which refers to a hidden reason for doing something.
Examples:
- She may have an ulterior motive.
- I don’t think he has any ulterior motives.
- The offer seemed generous, but I wondered about his ulterior motive.
Ulterior can also describe something beyond or further away in a figurative or literal sense, although this usage is less common in everyday English.
What Is Alterior?
Alterior is generally not accepted as a standard English word.
It is usually a misspelling or mistaken form of ulterior.
Incorrect:
- ❌ He probably has an alterior motive.
Correct:
- ✅ He probably has an ulterior motive.
Alterior vs Ulterior Comparison Table
| Feature | Alterior | Ulterior |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Spelling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Standard English Word | No | Yes |
| Common Meaning | No established standard meaning | Hidden, additional, or beyond the obvious |
| Common Phrase | — | Ulterior motive |
| Professional Writing | Avoid | Recommended |
Why Is “Ulterior” Correct?
The correct spelling is:
U-L-T-E-R-I-O-R
A common mistake is changing the first u to a, resulting in alterior.
However, the standard word is:
Ulterior
not:
Alterior
The easiest way to remember it is to connect the word with the common expression:
Ulterior motive
Therefore:
- Ulterior ✅
- Alterior ❌
Examples of Ulterior in Sentences
- I think she has an ulterior motive.
- He offered to help, but I suspected an ulterior motive.
- The company may have an ulterior purpose.
- She insisted that she had no ulterior motives.
- His kindness seemed genuine, with no ulterior motive.
- They questioned whether the proposal had an ulterior purpose.
- Don’t assume that every favor has an ulterior motive.
Common Mistakes People Make
The most common mistake is writing alterior because the beginning of the word can sound unclear when spoken quickly.
People may also associate it with words such as:
- Alter
- Alternative
- Alternate
- Alteration
This can lead to the mistaken spelling alterior.
However, the correct word is:
Ulterior
Incorrect:
- ❌ She may have an alterior motive.
Correct:
- ✅ She may have an ulterior motive.
Simple Memory Trick
💡 Memory Trick
Spelling Box
Remember the phrase:
ULTERIOR MOTIVE
Think:
U = ulterior
U = hidden purpose
Rule: If you’re talking about a hidden reason, remember ULTERIOR, not ALterior.
What Does “Ulterior Motive” Mean?
An ulterior motive is a hidden or secondary reason for doing something.
For example, imagine someone suddenly offers to help you with an important project. Their offer may seem generous, but you might suspect they want something else in return.
You could say:
- I wonder whether he has an ulterior motive.
The phrase often suggests that someone’s visible reason is not their complete or true reason.
Ulterior Motive vs Hidden Motive
Ulterior motive and hidden motive have similar meanings.
Both can describe a reason that someone has not openly revealed.
Examples:
- She has a hidden motive.
- She has an ulterior motive.
However, ulterior motive is a well-established expression and is especially common in formal or descriptive English.
When Should You Use Ulterior?
Use ulterior when you mean:
- A hidden purpose.
- A secondary intention.
- Something beyond the obvious.
- An undisclosed reason.
- A purpose that is not immediately apparent.
Common combinations include:
- Ulterior motive.
- Ulterior purpose.
- Ulterior intention.
- Ulterior reason.
- Ulterior objective.
When Should You Use Alterior?
Don’t use alterior in standard English when you mean ulterior.
If you’re talking about a hidden purpose or secret reason, use:
Ulterior ✅
For example:
- ✅ He had an ulterior motive.
Not:
- ❌ He had an alterior motive.
American vs British English
Ulterior is the standard spelling in both American and British English.
There is no major regional spelling difference:
- Ulterior ✅
- Alterior ❌
Both varieties use phrases such as ulterior motive to describe a hidden or secondary purpose.
Related Words and LSI Keywords
- ulterior meaning
- ulterior definition
- alterior meaning
- ulterior motive
- ulterior motives
- hidden motive
- hidden intention
- secret purpose
- secondary intention
- ulterior purpose
- ulterior reason
- undisclosed motive
- concealed intention
- English spelling
- commonly confused words
- spelling mistakes
- grammar guide
- vocabulary tips
- correct English usage
Tips for Remembering the Difference
- Remember ULTERIOR MOTIVE.
- The correct spelling begins with U, not A.
- Connect ulterior with a hidden or secondary purpose.
- Don’t let words such as alter or alternative influence the spelling.
- Remember U-L-T-E-R-I-O-R.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alterior a correct word?
No. Alterior is generally considered a misspelling of ulterior in standard English.
Which is correct: alterior or ulterior?
Ulterior is correct.
What does ulterior mean?
Ulterior generally means hidden, secondary, or beyond what is immediately obvious.
What does ulterior motive mean?
An ulterior motive is a hidden or secondary reason for someone’s actions.
Is ulterior always negative?
Not necessarily. However, ulterior motive often carries a suggestion that someone has a hidden reason that may not be entirely obvious or openly stated.
Is ulterior used in American and British English?
Yes. Ulterior is standard in both American and British English.
What is an example of ulterior?
An example is: She suspected that he had an ulterior motive for offering to help.
Summary
The difference between alterior vs ulterior is simple. Ulterior is the correct standard English spelling, while alterior is generally a misspelling. Ulterior commonly describes a hidden, secondary, or less obvious purpose, especially in the phrase ulterior motive.
The easiest way to remember the word is to memorize the phrase ulterior motive. When you mean a hidden reason or intention, start the word with U, not A.
