Ironically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
ironically
[ษชหrษnษชkli ]
Definitions
in a way that is contrary to what is expected or intended
Ironically, the weather forecast predicted a sunny day, but it ended up raining heavily.
Synonyms
contrary to expectations, paradoxically, unexpectedly.
Examples of usage
- The movie, ironically, received terrible reviews but was a box office hit.
- Ironically, despite being a fitness instructor, she rarely exercises herself.
used to introduce a statement that is surprising because it is the opposite of what you would expect
Ironically, I thought I was well-prepared for the exam, but I failed miserably.
Synonyms
counterintuitively, surprisingly, unexpectedly.
Examples of usage
- The team, ironically, lost the championship game despite being the favorites to win.
- Ironically, the politician's popularity increased after a scandal was revealed about them.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Irony is a common literary device, used by authors to create humor or emphasize a point in stories and poems.
- Famous authors like Jane Austen and Mark Twain employed irony to critique social norms and human behavior.
- A well-known example is found in Shakespeareโs 'Julius Caesar', where Caesarโs assassin Brutus believes he acts for the good of Rome, leading to unforeseen tragedy.
Pop Culture
- The term gained popularity in the 1990s, especially with the song 'Ironic' by Alanis Morissette, which humorously lists ironic situations.
- Movies like 'The Truman Show' and 'American Beauty' explore irony in human life, showcasing the contrast between appearances and underlying truths.
- In modern meme culture, irony is often used to provide humor in unexpected or absurd statements.
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance connects with irony, as people often experience discomfort when faced with contradictions, which can lead to humorous interpretations.
- Irony can serve as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to distance themselves from uncomfortable truths by framing them humorously.
- Studies show that recognizing irony can enhance critical thinking skills, requiring awareness of emotional and logical contrasts.
Communication
- Irony is a nuanced form of communication that often relies on tone and context, where the speaker's intent may differ from their literal words.
- In face-to-face interactions, irony can strengthen social bonds by creating shared understanding or humor among friends.
- On social media, ironic statements often lead to misunderstandings if the context isn't clear, highlighting the importance of tone in written communication.
Origin of 'ironically'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'eironeia', meaning 'dissimulation' or 'feigned ignorance', reflecting a contrast between appearance and reality.
- It entered the English language in the 16th century, initially used to describe the rhetorical technique of saying one thing but meaning another.
- The use of the term expanded in the 19th century to encompass various forms of unexpected outcomes.
The term 'ironically' originates from the word 'irony', which comes from the Greek word 'eironeia', meaning dissimulation or feigned ignorance. The use of irony in language dates back to ancient Greek literature, where it was used to express a meaning that is the opposite of the literal interpretation. Over time, 'ironically' has evolved to describe situations or statements that are contrary to what is expected or intended.