Irony
ˈaɪrəni
Definitions
2 meaningsThe expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects, leading to a wry amusement.
ˈaɪrəni
A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects, and is often amusing as a result.
The irony of the situation was not lost on him; he, a vegan, was now working at a steakhouse.
💡 Simply: Imagine it's raining on your wedding day. You're sad, but someone says 'Great weather for a wedding!' That's irony! It's when the opposite of what you expect happens, and it's often a little funny.
👶 For kids: Irony is when something happens that's the opposite of what you think should happen. Like, if a fire station burns down, that's ironic!
More Examples
There was a touch of irony in the fact that the new school was built on the site of the old prison.
Situational irony occurs when actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected.
How It's Used
"The story was filled with dramatic irony, where the audience knew the outcome but the characters did not."
"It was ironic that the fire station burned down."
"The comedian used situational irony to create a humorous effect."
A literary technique, originally the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Used now to indicate a situation, or a state of affairs or an event, that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects.
ˈaɪrəni
A technique of indicating an intention or attitude opposite to that actually or ostensibly stated.
Verbal irony is often used to convey a sarcastic tone.
💡 Simply: It's like when you say 'That's just great!' when something bad happens. You're using irony because you actually mean the opposite—that it's not great at all.
👶 For kids: When you say one thing but you mean the opposite. Like, if it's raining and you say, 'Nice weather, huh?'
More Examples
The film employed dramatic irony to create suspense.
Situational irony made the ending of the story both sad and darkly humorous.
How It's Used
"The speaker used verbal irony, sarcastically saying, 'Oh, great,' when the project failed."
"Dramatic irony is often used in tragedies, where the audience knows the danger faced by a character, but the character is unaware."
Idioms & expressions
situational irony
Irony arising from situations.
"The fire station burning down is a clear example of situational irony."
verbal irony
When a person says or writes one thing but means the opposite.
"When it's pouring rain, and someone says, 'What a beautiful day!', that's verbal irony."
From Greek eirōneía, meaning 'feigned ignorance'. Initially, it referred to a figure of speech where someone pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance of another. Its usage broadened over time.
The term's use can be traced back to ancient Greek comedy and philosophy, where Socrates and other philosophers employed it as a rhetorical device.
Memory tip
Think of the opposite of what is expected. When something is ironic, there's a surprising twist.