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Leer vs Pervert - What's the difference?

leer | pervert |

In intransitive terms the difference between leer and pervert

is that leer is to look sideways or obliquely; now especially with sexual desire or malicious intent while pervert is to become perverted; to take the wrong course.

In transitive terms the difference between leer and pervert

is that leer is to learn while pervert is to turn from truth, rectitude, or propriety; to divert from a right use, end, or way; to lead astray; to corrupt.

As an adjective leer

is empty; unoccupied; clear.

leer

English

Etymology 1

Exact development uncertain, but apparently from *. See below.

Verb

(en verb)
  • To look sideways or obliquely; now especially with sexual desire or malicious intent.
  • To entice with a leer or leers.
  • * (Dryden)
  • To gild a face with smiles; and leer a man to ruin.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A significant side glance; a glance expressive of some passion, as malignity, amorousness, etc.; a sly or lecherous look.
  • An arch or affected glance or cast of countenance.
  • Etymology 2

    From (etyl) ler, . More at (l), (l).

    Alternative forms

    * (l), (l), (l)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) The cheek.
  • (Holinshed)
  • (obsolete) The face.
  • (obsolete) One's appearance; countenance.
  • * Shakespeare
  • a Rosalind of a better leer than you
  • (obsolete) Complexion; hue; blee; colour.
  • (obsolete) Flesh; skin.
  • The flank or loin.
  • Anagrams

    * *

    Etymology 3

    From (etyl) lere, from (etyl) . More at (l).

    Alternative forms

    * (l)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Empty; unoccupied; clear.
  • a leer stomach
    (Gifford)
  • Destitute; lacking; wanting.
  • Faint from lack of food; hungry.
  • Thin; faint.
  • Having no load or burden; free; without a rider.
  • a leer horse
    (Ben Jonson)
  • Lacking sense or seriousness; trifling; frivolous.
  • leer words

    Etymology 4

    From (etyl) leren, from (etyl) . Related to (etyl) {{m, ang, l?r, , lore, learning, science, art of teaching, preaching, doctrine, study, precept, exhortation, advice, instigation, history, story, cunning }}. See lore.

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To teach.
  • To learn.
  • Etymology 5

    See (lehr)

    pervert

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (dated) One who has been perverted; one who has turned to error; one who has turned to a twisted sense of values or morals.
  • A person whose sexual habits are not considered acceptable.
  • Those perverts were trying to spy on us while we changed clothes!

    Usage notes

    * In contemporary usage, pervert is usually understood to refer to a sexually perverted person. Traditionally the word was mainly associated with persons of false religious beliefs.

    Synonyms

    * (sexually perverted person) deviant, perv (slang)

    Antonyms

    * convert (religious)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To turn another way; to divert.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Let's follow him, and pervert the present wrath.
  • To turn from truth, rectitude, or propriety; to divert from a right use, end, or way; to lead astray; to corrupt.
  • * Milton
  • He, in the serpent, had perverted Eve.
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2004 , date=April 15 , author= , title=Morning swoop in hunt for Jodi's killer , work=The Scotsman citation , page= , passage=A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We can confirm that a 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Jodi Jones. A 45-year-old has also been arrested in connection with allegations of attempting to pervert the course of justice. A report on this has been sent to the procurator fiscal." }}
  • To misapply; to misinterpret designedly.
  • pervert one's words
  • To become perverted; to take the wrong course.
  • (Testament of Love)

    Synonyms

    * (turn another way) divert, steer, veer * corrupt, lead astray * misapply, misuse * (take the wrong course)