perverse
/pərˈvɜːrs/
adjective
Origin
Latin
perversus — turned the wrong way
Overview
Meaning Now
- Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable.
- Contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice.
Literal older meaning
turned away
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
pervers
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originates from the Latin 'perversus', which literally meant 'turned in the wrong direction' or 'distorted'. In early theological contexts, it described behavior that deviated from divine law or moral rectitude. By the 16th century, the sense evolved to specifically denote someone who is obstinately contrary or resistant to common sense or social norms.
Evolution
- Latin
pervertere
“to turn around, overturn”
Base verb formed from per- (thoroughly) and vertere (to turn).
- Latin
perversus
“turned away, askew, crooked”
Past participle used as an adjective.
- Middle English
pervers
“wicked, corrupt, contrary”
Adopted via Old French.
- Modern English
perverse
“obstinate, contrary to reason”
Standardized spelling in modern English.
Connections
Word parts
per-
prefix
thoroughly, away
verse
root
turned
Related across languages
French
pervers
perverse
Spanish
perverso
perverse
Explore next
Related to perverse
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.