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Definition of perverseness - 3 dictionary results

per⋅verse

  [per-vurs]
Use perverseness in a Sentence
–adjective
1. willfully determined or disposed to go counter to what is expected or desired; contrary.
2. characterized by or proceeding from such a determination or disposition: a perverse mood.
3. wayward or cantankerous.
4. persistent or obstinate in what is wrong.
5. turned away from or rejecting what is right, good, or proper; wicked or corrupt.
Origin:
1325–75; ME < L perversus facing the wrong way, askew, orig. ptp. of pervertere. See pervert

Related forms:
per⋅verse⋅ly, adverb
per⋅verse⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. contumacious, disobedient. 4. stubborn, headstrong. See willful. 5. evil, bad, sinful.

Antonyms:
1. agreeable. 4. tractable.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To perverseness
per·verse   (pər-vûrs', pûr'vûrs')   
adj.  

  1. Directed away from what is right or good; perverted.

  2. Obstinately persisting in an error or fault; wrongly self-willed or stubborn.

    1. Marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict.

    2. Arising from such a disposition.

  4. Cranky; peevish.


[Middle English pervers, from Old French, from Latin perversus, past participle of pervertere, to pervert; see pervert.]
per·verse'ly adv., per·verse'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: per·verse
Pronunciation: p&r-'v&rs
Function: adjective
: being, relating to, or characterized by perversion <perversesexual behavior>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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