Irony: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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irony

 

[ หˆaษชrษ™ni ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in communication

Irony is the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. It involves saying one thing but meaning another, usually in a sarcastic or sardonic manner.

Synonyms

mockery, sarcasm, satire

Examples of usage

  • Her response was dripping with irony.
  • The irony of the situation was not lost on him.
Context #2 | Noun

in literature

Irony is a literary technique or event in which what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate. It often creates a contrast between appearance and reality, leading to surprise or humor.

Synonyms

incongruity, paradox, twist

Examples of usage

  • The irony of the ending was both unexpected and fitting.
  • The use of dramatic irony added depth to the story.
Context #3 | Noun

in situation

Irony is when something happens that is the opposite of what was expected, often with a humorous or poignant twist. It can highlight the unpredictability or absurdity of life.

Synonyms

contradiction, twist of fate, unexpected outcome

Examples of usage

  • The irony of the situation was both amusing and thought-provoking.
  • Life's irony can be both cruel and enlightening.

Translations

Translations of the word "irony" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ironia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคกเค‚เคฌเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ironie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ironi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ั€ะพะฝั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ironia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็šฎ่‚‰ (ใฒใซใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ironie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ironรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ironi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„์ด๋Ÿฌ๋‹ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณุฎุฑูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ironie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ irรณnia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฎฝๅˆบ (fฤ›ngcรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ironija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kaldhรฆรฐni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธั€ะพะฝะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒ แƒแƒœแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ironiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ironรญa

Etymology

The word 'irony' comes from the Greek word 'eironeia', meaning feigned ignorance or dissimulation. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe a rhetorical device or literary technique. Irony plays a significant role in literature, drama, and everyday communication, adding depth, humor, and complexity to expression.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,361 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.