Ironically
/aɪˈrɒnɪkli/
Definitions
In an ironic manner; using or expressing irony.
/aɪˈrɒnɪkli/
In a way that is contrary to what is expected or intended.
Ironically, the new diet resulted in weight gain.
💡 Simply: When something happens that's the opposite of what you'd expect, or when the result is a bit funny because it's so unexpected. Like if a firefighter's house burns down.
👶 For kids: When something happens that is funny because it's the opposite of what you think should happen.
More Examples
She smiled ironically as she realized she had forgotten her keys again.
The rain started ironically just as they were about to start the outdoor picnic.
How It's Used
"It was ironically fitting that the fire alarm went off during the fire safety demonstration."
"The author used irony ironically to highlight the absurdity of the situation."
Idioms & expressions
ironic twist
A sudden and unexpected turn of events that is ironic.
"The story took an ironic twist when the hero discovered he was the villain's son."
From the adjective "ironic" (early 17th century), which comes from the Greek word "eironeia" meaning 'dissimulation', or 'feigned ignorance.' The suffix "-ly" is added to form the adverb.
The use of 'ironically' as an adverb has increased with the popularization of the term 'irony' in modern communication and literature, particularly in the late 20th century.