perversely
UK[pəˈvɜːsli]US[pərˈvɜːrsli]
adv
in a way that deliberately behaves differently from what is expected or reasonable
adv
in a way that shows a desire to behave in an unreasonable way, especially by deliberately opposing the wishes of others
Morpheme Breakdown
per
vers
ly
per
through, thoroughly
vers
turn
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'perversely' originates from the latin verb pervertere, meaning "to turn thoroughly" or "to overturn". this is a compound of the intensive prefix per- ("through, thoroughly") and vertere ("to turn"). the core notion is of turning something away from its proper direction or purpose. over time, this literal sense of physical turning evolved into the abstract sense of willfully deviating from what is right, reasonable, or expected. the adverbial suffix -ly, of germanic origin, was later attached to the adjective 'perverse' to form the word describing the manner of such contrary action.
Analysis
Structure: per (through, thoroughly) + vers (turn) + ly (adverb suffix)
- per: from latin, meaning "through, thoroughly". acts as an intensive prefix.
- vers: from latin versus, past participle of vertere, meaning "to turn". acts as the core root.
- ly: from old english -līce, forming adverbs. indicates manner or quality.
Examples
he seemed to take a perversely stubborn delight in disagreeing with everyone.
the plan succeeded, perversely, because of the very obstacles meant to stop it.
she perversely refused the help that she so clearly needed.