Perverse: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe behavior that is deliberately unreasonable or goes against what is expected and acceptable. It has a negative connotation and can imply a desire to do something wrong or harmful.

• His perverse refusal to help only made the situation worse
• She took a perverse pleasure in annoying her colleagues

Use 'contrary' when someone always seems to take the opposite position or is difficult to deal with. It can describe someone who opposes or resists for the sake of being different, often stubbornly.

• Despite all the evidence, he remained contrary and stuck to his opinion
• The child's contrary behavior made it hard to get through the day

Select 'wayward' to describe someone or something that is unpredictable and difficult to control or guide. This term can be used to describe rebellious or erratic behavior and has a mildly negative connotation.

• The wayward child was always getting into mischief
• His wayward actions often left his friends bewildered

Opt for 'obstinate' when describing stubborn behavior that is particularly resistant to change or persuasion. The word has a negative connotation and suggests a refusal to alter one's course or opinion.

• Despite numerous discussions, he remained obstinate in his decisions
• Her obstinate refusal to apologize prolonged the argument

This word is suitable for describing someone who is very determined to do what they want, even if it is not sensible. It often feels neutral or slightly negative and can describe stubborn or impulsive behavior.

• She was a headstrong teenager who never listened to advice
• His headstrong nature often led him into trouble

Use when describing behavior that is deliberately unreasonable or uncooperative, often involving pleasure in causing trouble. This term has a negative connotation.

• His perverse decision to avoid all company policies just to annoy his colleagues caused significant delays in the project.
• Despite knowing it was wrong, her perverse joy in creating chaos was evident.

Suitable for describing events or outcomes that were not anticipated, often surprising or catching someone off guard.

• His unexpected arrival at the party caught everyone by surprise.
• The unexpected success of the movie stunned the critics.

Appropriate for situations where two statements, ideas, or actions are in direct opposition to each other, leading to confusion or conflict.

• The politician's promises were contradictory, saying one thing to one group and the opposite to another.
• Their contradictory statements made it difficult to trust their story.

Best used when actions or strategies have the opposite effect of what was intended, undermining the goal instead of helping it.

• Staying up all night to finish the project was counterproductive because he was too tired to perform well the next day.
• Her strict disciplinary methods were counterproductive, leading to more rebellion among the students.

Used when there is a stark contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, often in a way that is humorous or pointedly significant.

• It's ironic that the fire station burned down.
• She smiled ironically, knowing that her attempt to fix the situation had only made it worse.