perverse
|per/verse|
🇺🇸
/pərˈvɝs/
🇬🇧
/pəˈvɜːs/
willfully turned away
Etymology
'perverse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'perversus', where 'per-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'vertere' meant 'to turn'.
'perverse' changed from Old French 'pervers' and Middle English 'pervers(e)' and eventually became the modern English word 'perverse'.
Initially, it meant 'turned away' or 'turned completely aside' (literally 'turned the wrong way'), but over time it evolved into meanings like 'willfully contrary' and 'morally perverted'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
deliberately behaving in a way that is contrary to what is expected, reasonable, or acceptable; stubbornly opposing what is right or proper.
She took a perverse delight in criticizing every suggestion.
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Adjective 2
showing a deliberate desire to behave unacceptably or immorally, often in a way that is harmful or depraved.
The criminal's perverse acts shocked the whole community.
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Adjective 3
contrary to the evidence, intention, or logical outcome; producing an effect opposite to what was intended (often used in contexts like 'perverse incentive' or 'perverse result').
The new policy had a perverse effect, making the problem worse instead of solving it.
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Last updated: 2025/11/08 14:23