How to pronounce ulterior
Say it like ul-TIH-er-ee-er. Ulterior has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ulterior. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ul
- TIH
- er
- ee
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ulterior pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- TIHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of ulterior
- American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ul-TEER-ee-uh.
What does ulterior mean?
- Situated beyond, or on the farther side.
- Beyond what is obvious or evident.
- Being intentionally concealed so as to deceive.
Where does ulterior come from?
From Latin ulterior (“further, more distant”), from ulter (“that is beyond”) + -ior (“more”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ulterior
How do you pronounce ulterior?
Say ul-TIH-er-ee-er. The American pronunciation is /ʌlˈtɪɚiɚ/. In British English it is /ʌlˈtɪəriə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ulterior?
Ulterior has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIH). Broken into parts: ul · TIH · er · ee · er.
Is ulterior pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4. The British form is /ʌlˈtɪəriə/ (ul-TEER-ee-uh).