Meaning & Definition of word "Perversity"
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Perversity
/pərˈvɜːrsɪti/
noun:
- 1. A deliberate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable manner; a deviation from what is considered normal or good.
- Example: His perversity in choosing to punish himself rather than seek forgiveness was shocking to everyone.
- 2. The quality of being perverse; a tendency to be contrary.
- Example: Her perversity was evident when she opted to wear white to a funeral.
- 3. An act of being perverse; a whimsical or capricious action.
- Example: The child's perversity was shown when he decided to eat dessert before dinner for no apparent reason.
Etymology
Latin 'perversitas', from 'pervertere' meaning 'to turn around' or 'to corrupt'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
a perverse twist:
An unexpected and often negative outcome or interpretation.
perversity of human nature:
The idea that human beings often act against their own best interests.
Related Words
perverse:
Morally or socially unacceptable behavior.
pervert:
Someone who engages in sexual practices regarded as abnormal or unacceptable.
Slang Meanings of perversity
Meaning: Twisted sense of humor
Example Sentence: Her comments were filled with a kind of perversity that made everyone laugh uncomfortably.
Meaning: Being deliberately awkward
Example Sentence: He has a knack for perversity, always making what should be simple overly complicated.