perverseness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perverseness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quality of being deliberately contrary or obstinately disobedient, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "His actions were marked by a certain perverseness that made it difficult for others to understand his motives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The short Bimbo's Initiation (1931) is a prime example of the Fleischers' quirky perverseness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I chose to leave the island vague so that readers could project their own stereotypes onto it, experience a bit of that perverseness for themselves.

The New Yorker

Then there is the sophisticated perverseness of the adjacent "Butterfly" dress of 1955 — weighing 18 pounds, mostly aubergine tulle — whose wedge-shaped train descends from a pair of silvery satin curves just below the waist.

The New York Times - Arts

"I didn't think human beings had such perverseness to do this".

The New York Times - Sports

Toby Litt notes that its protagonist, Des Esseintes, a man whose life is given over entirely to the pursuit of sensual pleasures, is "more likely to attract one when one is an adolescent"; certainly as a teenager I found it hard not to love decadent literature, with its emphasis on artifice, deliberate perverseness, art-for-art's sake, sensuality and degeneration.

The Guardian - Books

As I stood in the middle of the squalid Kara Tepe transit camp on Lesbos, I was struck by the utter perverseness of the refugee drama unfolding on this Greek island.

The Guardian

Another notion of the quality - and the perverseness - comes with "I might give up drink for Lent.

The Guardian

Spurs missed him while he was gone, with his absence, rather than genetic perverseness in Spurs' make-up, being chief among the reasons why they lost at Crystal Palace immediately after trouncing Chelsea.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus, many songs are a battle between bitter and sweet, and Smith wanly roams the stage, sharing the perverseness of being a lover man who's never been loved.

The Guardian - Music

In the meantime, though, his perverseness has left his American fans stranded, which is a shame.

The New Yorker

And ye shall make void the law, and set at nought the words of the prophets by evil perverseness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perverseness," consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intention behind the obstinacy, as it can carry negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "perverseness" to describe ordinary disagreements or differences of opinion. It implies a more profound and deliberate opposition, often with an element of moral defiance.

Linguistic Context

The noun "perverseness" functions primarily as a descriptor of a quality or state. It refers to the characteristic of being perverse, highlighting obstinacy or contrariness. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in describing actions or attitudes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perverseness" is a noun denoting the quality of being perverse, characterized by obstinacy and contrariness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedic, and scientific domains. While grammatically sound, it's important to wield this term judiciously, ensuring it accurately captures the intended deliberate opposition. Alternative phrases like "obstinacy" or "contrariness" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you aim to convey. Avoid using "perverseness" in place of simple disagreements, as it implies a stronger moral defiance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstinacy

Focuses on the stubborn refusal to change one's mind or course of action.

contrariness

Highlights the tendency to disagree or do the opposite of what is expected.

stubbornness

Emphasizes the resolute refusal to yield or comply.

recalcitrance

Implies a defiant resistance to authority or control.

waywardness

Suggests a tendency to go astray or act unpredictably.

intractability

Indicates a quality of being difficult to manage or control.

mulishness

Compares the behavior to that of a mule, known for its stubbornness.

wickedness

Shifts the focus to moral wrongness or evil intent.

depravity

Highlights the corruption or immorality of the action or character.

malice

Emphasizes the intention to do harm or cause suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "perverseness" in a sentence?

You can use "perverseness" to describe a quality of being deliberately contrary or obstinately disobedient. For example, "His actions were marked by a certain perverseness that made it difficult for others to understand his motives."

What words can I use instead of "perverseness"?

You can use alternatives like "obstinacy", "contrariness", or "wickedness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "perverseness" and "stubbornness"?

"Perverseness" often implies a deliberate and sometimes malicious opposition, while "stubbornness" simply suggests a firm refusal to change one's mind or course of action without necessarily implying ill intent.

When is it appropriate to use "perverseness"?

It is appropriate to use "perverseness" when describing a behavior or attitude characterized by deliberate contrariness, especially when it defies moral or ethical norms.