ulteriores

Ulteriores is the plural form of the adjective ulteri or ulterio in Spanish, used to describe motives, reasons, or purposes that are hidden, indirect, or not immediately evident. It commonly appears in phrases such as motivos ulteriores, intereses ulteriores, or propósitos ulteriores to indicate that an action may be driven by concealed aims rather than the openly stated ones.

Etymology and sense: Ulterior derives from Latin ulterior, meaning farther or more distant. In Spanish, the term retains the sense of hiddenness or secondary aims and is typically used in formal, evaluative, or critical language. The plural form ulteriores matches the feminine and masculine plural noun usage of the phrase it modifies.

Usage and nuance: In political, legal, journalistic, and ethical discourse, ulteriores motives are invoked to question the real incentives behind a decision. The expression does not automatically imply illegality; it signals a discrepancy between the apparent rationale and a less visible objective. Depending on context, it can carry a cautious or critical connotation.

Examples: El proyecto fue defendido como una mejora para la comunidad, pero muchos sospechan motivos ulteriores. Las autoridades negaron que existieran motivos ulteriores, asegurando que la decisión se tomó por razones técnicas.

Limitations: The term is interpretive and context-dependent; asserting ulteriores motives should be backed by evidence, as it can be contested or disputable.