perversely

American  

[per-vurs-lee] / pərˈvɜrs li /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of perversely

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

Example Sentences

Leavened by dark humor, “Blood Ties” is breathtaking in conception and execution, with a perversely pastoral finale.

From The Wall Street Journal

Aggrievement and isolation, perversely enough, became the glue that holds the community together.

From Salon

So maybe it’s perversely apt that the Broadway revival of the musical “Chess” should feel eye-glazingly interminable, despite a cast of thrillingly good singers in top form.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 60-year-old said he felt "perversely lucky" since the parents involved had passed away, sparing him "difficult conversations".

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times