Meaning & Definition of word "Perversity"
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.