perverse
Definitions
Deliberately behaving in an unreasonable or contrary way, against what is expected or sensible.
乖张的，故意作对的，违反常理的。
Showing a sinful or unacceptable deviation from what is right.
反常的，邪僻的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedper- (thoroughly, wrongly) + vers (turn) = 'turned thoroughly the wrong way.' A perverse person has turned away from reason or right on purpose — being difficult for its own sake. The per- here carries a 'gone bad' sense, as in pervert (turned to corrupt use).
Root vers still carries 91 more wordsWhy It Means This
Perverse shows the family's dark prefix. Where ad-vert turns toward and re-vert turns back, per- turns something thoroughly the wrong way. A perverse decision is one knowingly turned against good sense; perverse pleasure is enjoyment 'turned bad.' The same per- + vers gave the harsher pervert — to turn something from its proper use to a corrupt one.
Common Collocations
- 1.perverse pleasure乖张的快感
- 2.perverse logic扭曲的逻辑
- 3.perverse incentive反常激励
- 4.perverse satisfaction变态的满足感
Example Sentences
- 1.
He took a perverse pleasure in proving them wrong.
- 2.
The tax rule created a perverse incentive to spend more.
- 3.
She was being deliberately perverse just to annoy him.