Crossword Genius

In a bad way (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

evilly

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'in a bad way' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'bad way' is the wordplay.
'bad' becomes 'evil' (associated in meaning).
'way' becomes 'ly' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'evil'+'ly'='EVILLY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for evilly that I've seen before include "With wicked intent" , "Extremely wickedly" , "in a bad way" , "In wicked or depraved way" , "In a very wicked manner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News, The Globe and Mail and The New York Times.
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