arrière-pensée

American  

[a-ryer-pahn-sey] / a ryɛr pɑ̃ˈseɪ /

noun

French.

plural

arrière-pensées

1. a mental reservation; hidden motive.

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arrière-pensée British  

/ arjɛrpɑ̃se /

noun

1. an unrevealed thought or intention

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Etymology

Origin of arrière-pensée

C19: literally: behind thought

Example Sentences

It may be regarded as highly improbable that she will maintain honourably and with no arrière-pensée the obligations undertaken in the interests of German commerce in Morocco.

From Germany and the Next War by Bernhardi, Friedrich von

Nor was there any warrant for imputing to him dishonesty of purpose or arrière-pensée.

From The Life of William Ewart Gladstone (Vol 2 of 3) by Morley, John

He was perfectly frank and manly: he spoke without arrière-pensée, he meant what he said, and was ready to believe that other people meant it too.

From A True Friend A Novel by Sergeant, Adeline

But the needy poet may have had some arrière-pensée.

From Post-Augustan Poetry From Seneca to Juvenal by Butler, Harold Edgeworth

And yet Titian expresses this by no means exalted conception with a grand candour, an absence of arrière-pensée such as almost purges it of offence.

From The Later Works of Titian by Phillips, Claude