wrong-headed
Meaning
Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion.
Based on or resulting from mistaken ideas or faulty judgment; perverse.
Structure
Usage
His wrong-headed policies led the company into a financial crisis.
It would be wrong-headed to ignore the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change.
She was too wrong-headed to admit her mistake, even when presented with the facts.
Etymology
The compound adjective "wrong-headed" is a straightforward yet vivid metaphorical construction from native English elements. The first element, "wrong," originates from Old English wrang, which described something twisted, crooked, or unjust, carrying a sense of deviation from the proper course. The second element, "headed," uses the concept of the "head" as the seat of intellect and character, a usage dating back to Old English. When combined in the 17th century, the term literally described someone with a "wrong" or "crooked" mind, logically evolving to denote stubborn adherence to incorrect ideas or perverse judgment. Its enduring power lies in the clear, physical metaphor of a misdirected intellect.
Analysis
- wrong: From Old English wrang meaning "wrong, unjust, perverse." It functions as an adjective/adverb root describing something incorrect or contrary to what is right. - headed: From Old English -hēafod (the noun "head") + the suffix -ed, forming an adjective meaning "having a (specified kind of) head or mind." It functions as a combining form to describe mental character.