Ironically: meaning, definitions and examples

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ironically

 

[ ɪˈrɒnɪkli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

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.
Context #2 | Adverb

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

Translations of the word "ironically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ironicamente

🇮🇳 विडंबनापूर्ण

🇩🇪 ironischerweise

🇮🇩 dengan ironis

🇺🇦 іронічно

🇵🇱 ironicznie

🇯🇵 皮肉にも (hiniku ni mo)

🇫🇷 ironiquement

🇪🇸 irónicamente

🇹🇷 ironik olarak

🇰🇷 아이러니하게도 (aileonihagedo)

🇸🇦 بسخرية

🇨🇿 ironicky

🇸🇰 ironicky

🇨🇳 具有讽刺意味地 (jùyǒu fěngcì yìwèi de)

🇸🇮 ironično

🇮🇸 kaldhæðnislega

🇰🇿 ирониялы түрде

🇬🇪 ირონიულად

🇦🇿 ironik olaraq

🇲🇽 irónicamente

Etymology

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.

See also: iron, ironic, ironing, irons, irony.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,555, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.