perversely

[per-vurs-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. in an obstinate manner, rejecting what is right, good, or proper; wickedly or corruptly.

   They perversely persist in the practice of torture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of perversely¹

First recorded in 1500–20; perverse ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

They were followed perversely by torrential rains in 1861, which drowned hundreds of head.

From Los Angeles Times

He said that, perversely, finding the money was the easy part.

From BBC

Trim and perversely puppyish, the character doesn’t let age keep him down for long.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s worth noting, perversely, that Moore’s Elisabeth Sparkle is supposed to be an Oscar winner.

From Los Angeles Times

But one need look no further than the perversely disparate treatment of two federal judges to appreciate the urgent need for reform.

From Salon