Arrière-pensée (en. Ulterior motive)

/aʁjɛʁ pɑ̃se/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A statement or sentiment concealed behind what is expressed.

His remark was full of ulterior motives.

Sa remarque était pleine d'arrière-pensées.

A covert intention in addition to the expressed intention.

He always has an ulterior motive when talking about his colleagues.

Il a toujours une arrière-pensée quand il parle de ses collègues.

A subordinate idea that can influence behavior.

The ulterior motives of this project are not necessarily ethical.

Les arrière-pensées de ce projet ne sont pas forcément éthiques.

From the French 'arrière', meaning 'behind', and 'pensée', meaning 'idea' or 'concept'.

to have an ulterior motive

To have a hidden objective behind a statement or action.

avoir une arrière-pensée

to speak with ulterior motives

To express ideas while having secret intentions.

parler avec arrière-pensée

to suspect an ulterior motive

To doubt the sincerity of a person's intentions.

suspecter une arrière-pensée

implication

An idea not directly expressed that must be interpreted.

sous-entendu

duplicity

The characteristic of someone who hides their true motivations.

duplicité

hypocrisy

Displaying a facade of virtue while having contrary intentions.

hypocrisie

Reserve or caution in a discussion.

He approached the subject with an ulterior motive, as if he feared reactions.

Il a abordé le sujet avec une arrière-pensée, comme s'il craignait des réactions.

Subtle manipulation through words.

His way of expressing himself was full of ulterior motives, hard to grasp his true views.

Sa façon de s'exprimer était pleine d'arrière-pensées, difficile de saisir ses véritables vues.