perversely
Americanadverb
-
in a willful manner that goes counter to what is expected or desired; contrarily.
She clung perversely to beliefs and behavior that would confound her parents for years.
-
in an obstinate manner, rejecting what is right, good, or proper; wickedly or corruptly.
They perversely persist in the practice of torture.
Etymology
Origin of perversely
First recorded in 1500–20; perverse ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Perversely, it’s times like these, when subversion and subtlety are required, that creativity flourishes.
From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026
Perversely, “dead babies”—those who do not survive childbirth—are much cheaper in medical malpractice litigation that “damaged babies”—those who do survive but with traumatic injuries—especially in a state like Iowa with a cap on noneconomic damages.
From Slate • Apr. 24, 2025
Perversely, Yoon seemed untroubled by his party's election defeat.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2025
Perversely, doctors who perform C-sections, a surgery that takes about 45 minutes, usually get paid more than those who patiently await vaginal birth, a process that can take hours or days.
From Scientific American • Jul. 21, 2023
Perversely sleep would try to come then when I did not want it; so, as I feared to be alone, I opened my door and called out: “Is there anybody there?”
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
