Perversity

/pərˈvɜːrsɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A deliberate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable manner; a deviation from what is considered normal or good.

His perversity in choosing to punish himself rather than seek forgiveness was shocking to everyone.

The quality of being perverse; a tendency to be contrary.

Her perversity was evident when she opted to wear white to a funeral.

An act of being perverse; a whimsical or capricious action.

The child's perversity was shown when he decided to eat dessert before dinner for no apparent reason.

Latin 'perversitas', from 'pervertere' meaning 'to turn around' or 'to corrupt'.

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.

perverse

Morally or socially unacceptable behavior.

pervert

Someone who engages in sexual practices regarded as abnormal or unacceptable.

Twisted sense of humor

Her comments were filled with a kind of perversity that made everyone laugh uncomfortably.

Being deliberately awkward

He has a knack for perversity, always making what should be simple overly complicated.