8 uses
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Definition
not what is expected, or considered proper
or: having the opposite effect of what is desired
or: having the opposite effect of what is desired
- "—"I wish," cries Thwackum, in a rage, "I wish, for the sake of his soul, your damnable doctrines have not perverted his faith.Book 5 (65% in)
- All these summons proving ineffectual (for the captain had, by perverse accident, betaken himself to a new walk that evening), Mrs Blifil declared she was seriously frightened.Book 2 (88% in)
- Betty Pippin, with young Roger her lover, fell both to the ground; where, oh perverse fate! she salutes the earth, and he the sky.Book 4 (48% in)
- Things may be fitting to be done, which are not fitting to be boasted of; for by the perverse judgment of the world, that often becomes the subject of censure, which is, in truth, not only innocent but laudable.Book 5 (40% in)
- The beauty and loveliness of friendship is too strong for dim eyes, nor can it be perceived by any other medium than that unerring rule of right, which you have so often endeavoured to ridicule, that you have perverted your friend's understanding.Book 5 (65% in)
- While he was meditating on these matters, he received the following note from the lady:— "A very foolish, but a very perverse accident hath happened since our last meeting, which makes it improper I should see you any more at the usual place.Book 13 (74% in)
- I have therefore always thought it unreasonable in parents to desire to chuse for their children on this occasion; since to force affection is an impossible attempt; nay, so much doth love abhor force, that I know not whether, through an unfortunate but uncurable perverseness in our natures, it may not be even impatient of persuasion.Book 14 (85% in)
- O, Lady Bellaston! what a terror have I been in for fear your reputation should be exposed by these perverse accidents!Book 15 (76% in)
There are no more uses of "perverse" in Tom Jones.
Typical Usage
(best examples)