adj. 1. Lying beyond what is evident, revealed, or avowed, especially being concealed intentionally so as to deceive: an ulterior motive. 2. Lying beyond or outside the area of immediate interest. 3. Occurring later; subsequent. [Latin, farther, comparative of *ulter, on the other side; see al-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ul·teri·or·ly adv. |
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