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perverse
Perverse (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does perverse mean?
Deliberately contrary to what is expected or desired, often for the sake of causing trouble or upsetting others.
"The perverse pleasure he took in others' misfortunes was unsettling to those around him."
Detailed Meaning of Perverse
The adjective "perverse" is typically used to describe behavior or attitudes that are unreasonable, contrary, or obstinate. This can range from the mildly annoying, such as stubbornly refusing to follow instructions, to the more extreme, such as engaging in harmful or abusive behavior. The term can also be used to describe attitudes or beliefs that are considered unconventional or abnormal, particularly in matters of sexuality or morality. Overall, the word "perverse" suggests a deliberate rejection of social norms or expectations, often with negative consequences for oneself or others.
Example Sentences for Perverse
1. His perverse sense of humor led him to make inappropriate jokes at the worst times.
2. She had a perverse fascination with the macabre, collecting eerie artifacts.
3. It's perverse how he always finds a way to undermine our plans.
4. Their perverse pleasure in others' misfortune made them truly unpleasant people.
5. The suspect's perverse enjoyment of chaos made him a formidable adversary.
6. The film explored the perverse depths of human desire and obsession.
Origin and Etymology of Perverse
The adjective 'perverse' has an etymology with roots in Latin. It derives from the Latin word 'perversus,' which is the past participle of 'pervertere.' 'Pervertere' consists of two elements: 'per,' meaning 'completely,' and 'vertere,' meaning 'to turn.' Therefore, 'perverse' originally conveyed the idea of being completely turned or turned in the wrong direction. Over time, it evolved to describe actions or behaviors that are deliberately contrary to what is expected or desired, often for the sake of causing trouble or upsetting others. The etymology of 'perverse' underscores the notion of a complete and deliberate deviation from the norm or the expected, reflecting its association with actions that are contrary, often in a willful or disruptive manner.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the adjective perverse:
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More Usage Examples of Perverse
1. His perverse need for attention drove him to disrupt every meeting.
2. The artist's work was a celebration of the bizarre and perverse.
3. It's perverse to take pleasure in the suffering of innocent creatures.
4. The child had a perverse habit of doing the opposite of what was asked.
5. The perverse twist in the plot left the audience in stunned silence.
6. His perverse sense of humor often left people both amused and bewildered.
7. The artist had a knack for finding beauty in the most perverse of subjects.
8. Her comments were a perverse attempt to provoke conflict among the team.
9. The character's perverse actions shocked the audience but added depth to the storyline.
10. It was a perverse decision to ignore expert advice and proceed with the risky plan.
11. The company's perverse policies led to low employee morale and high turnover.
12. The novel explored the perverse side of human desires and motivations.
13. His behavior took a perverse turn when he began deliberately stirring up trouble.
14. The dictator's perverse ideologies resulted in widespread suffering for the population.
15. The film depicted a world where normality had taken a perverse and unsettling twist.
16. It's a perverse reality that some industries profit from environmental degradation.
17. The scientist's discoveries led to a perverse distortion of ethical boundaries.
18. The cult's leader exerted a perverse influence over his followers' beliefs.
19. The perverse logic of the situation left everyone puzzled and frustrated.
20. Her perverse determination to prove others wrong fueled her relentless pursuit of success.
21. The perverse fascination with disaster movies reflects a complex psychological phenomenon.
22. The comedian's performance was marked by a perverse mix of crude humor and intellectual wit.
23. The perverse satisfaction he derived from breaking the rules bordered on self-destructive.
24. The story's twist ending provided a perverse sense of closure that left readers contemplative.
Synonyms and Related Words for Perverse
Related Vocabulary Practice
Test your understanding of perverse in related quizzes, flashcards, and spelling activities:
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT