perverse
What does "perverse" mean?
"Perverse" describes someone or something that deliberately behaves in a way that is unreasonable, unacceptable, or contrary to what is expected or desired. The mental image is of someone walking directly against a crowd or insisting on doing the exact opposite of a helpful suggestion, often with a sense of stubbornness or spite. In usage, it carries a negative, judgmental tone. It is often used to describe a person’s attitude (a "perverse sense of humor") or a situation that seems ironically or obstinately wrong (a "perverse outcome"). It is most common in formal writing or sophisticated conversation to describe behavior that defies logic.
"perverse" in conversation
Discussing a stubborn project
He decided to ignore all our data and launch the product in winter instead.
He decided to ignore all our data and launch the product in winter instead.
That’s truly perverse; he’s practically sabotaging his own success.
That’s truly perverse; he’s practically sabotaging his own success.
Used here to highlight someone's illogical, self-defeating choice.
A dark joke
Why are you laughing at that tragedy?
Why are you laughing at that tragedy?
I have a perverse sense of humor, I suppose.
I have a perverse sense of humor, I suppose.
Refers to finding amusement in things that are traditionally considered inappropriate.
"perverse" in a sentence
He took a perverse pleasure in seeing his rival fail.
He took a perverse pleasure in seeing his rival fail.
It seems perverse to spend all that money on a car you will never drive.
It seems perverse to spend all that money on a car you will never drive.
The policy had the perverse effect of increasing the very problem it was intended to solve.
The policy had the perverse effect of increasing the very problem it was intended to solve.
