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Perversity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perversity

[pษ™rหˆvษœหrsษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

behavior

The quality of being contrary to accepted standards or practices; deliberate and obstinate opposition or resistance to what is right, reasonable, or accepted.

Synonyms

contrariness, obstinacy, stubbornness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perversity

This word is used to describe a willful deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable behavior, often in a way that is stubbornly contrary or difficult. It has a negative connotation.

  • His perversity in refusing to wear a helmet while biking worried everyone.
stubbornness

Stubbornness describes a firm determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, despite good reasons to do so. It can be negative or neutral depending on the situation.

  • Her stubbornness in insisting on doing things her own way sometimes caused friction in the team.
contrariness

This term is suitable for describing someone's tendency to oppose or be difficult just for the sake of it. It can be used in a light-hearted or slightly negative context.

  • She showed her contrariness by disagreeing with every suggestion made during the meeting.
obstinacy

This word refers to someone who is stubborn to the point of being unreasonable, and it highlights an inflexible adherence to one's own ideas or desires. It is often used negatively.

  • His obstinacy in not admitting his mistake led to unnecessary complications.

Examples of usage

  • His perversity in always taking the opposite view made it difficult to work with him.
  • The perversity of her actions shocked everyone around her.
Context #2 | Noun

character trait

A deliberate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; contrariness.

Synonyms

defiance, rebelliousness, waywardness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perversity

When referring to a deliberate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way. This word can imply a sense of stubbornness or resistance to conforming with what is expected.

  • His perversity in always choosing the opposite of what everyone suggested was frustrating
waywardness

When referring to behaving in an unpredictable, erratic, or capricious manner. This can also imply a sense of stubbornness but typically with less malice compared to 'perversity'.

  • The toddler's waywardness made it difficult to plan any activities
defiance

When talking about open resistance or bold disobedience. Often used in situations involving authority and a refusal to obey orders or norms.

  • The teenager's defiance against school rules landed him in detention
rebelliousness

When describing an attitude or behavior that goes against control or authority. Commonly used to describe periods of youth or people who are constantly challenging the status quo.

  • Her rebelliousness was evident in the way she dressed and questioned societal norms

Examples of usage

  • Her perversity in refusing to follow the rules caused tension in the group.
  • The professor admired the student's intellectual perversity in challenging traditional theories.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, perversity often relates to behavior that goes against social norms, which can lead to a sense of thrill or excitement for some individuals.
  • The concept is sometimes linked to Freudian theories, where it represents a deviation from expected sexuality or behavior.
  • Understanding perverse behavior can help in mental health fields to assess underlying issues of defiance or rebellion.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters exhibiting perversity often create tension, highlighting moral dilemmas and human flaws.
  • Many authors use perverse behavior as a way to explore themes of power, control, and the struggle against societal expectations.
  • Perversity appears prominently in gothic fiction, reflecting deeper fears and the clash between rationality and irrational desires.

Pop Culture

  • Perversity is often depicted in films and music, where characters with rebellious tendencies challenge conventional values, captivating audiences.
  • Several modern works use the concept to critique societal norms, highlighting the contrast between individual desires and collective morality.
  • Reality TV often showcases examples of perversity as contestants engage in outrageous behaviors for attention and ratings.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions of perversity often revolve around moral relativism, questioning what makes behavior right or wrong based on societal context.
  • Some philosophers argue that embracing perversity can lead to authentic self-expression, contrasting societal pressures.
  • Works from existentialism explore the idea of individual freedom, where choosing to act perversely can symbolize deeper existential choices.

Origin of 'perversity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'perversus', meaning 'turned away' or 'corrupted'.
  • It has been used since the 14th century to describe a moral wrongdoing or improper behavior.
  • The connection to twisting or turning away from the right path influenced its modern meanings.

The word 'perversity' originated from the Latin word 'perversitas', which means 'turned the wrong way'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. Over time, the term evolved to describe a deliberate opposition to what is considered right or normal. The concept of perversity has been explored in literature and psychology, highlighting the complexities of human behavior and motivations.

See also: perverse, perverted, perverter.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,456, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.