Irony: meaning, definitions and examples

Irony is used to express a situation where there is a stark contrast between expectation and reality, often to highlight absurdity or to make a point.

• It's a bitter irony that the fire station burned down.
• The irony of the situation was lost on him.

Sarcasm is often used to convey contempt or disdain, usually by saying the opposite of what one truly means. It can be playful or biting.

• Oh great, another meeting. Just what I needed!
• That’s just what we need, another rainy day.

Satire is used to criticize or poke fun at institutions, individuals, or societal norms. It often uses humor, irony, and exaggeration.

• The show uses satire to tackle political issues.
• He wrote a satire on the absurdities of modern life.

Mockery is used to ridicule or make fun of someone or something in a hurtful or critical way. It often has a negative connotation.

• His performance was met with mockery from the critics.
• They made a mockery of my efforts.

Use when there is a significant difference between what is expected and what actually happens, often creating a humorous or poignant effect.

• It was an irony that the fire station burned down
• Saying, 'What a pleasant day' during a storm is an example of irony

Use when referring to a statement or situation that seems contradictory or logically unacceptable, but with further thought, it reveals a hidden truth.

• The statement 'less is more' is a paradox
• ‘This statement is false’ creates a paradox since if it's true, it must be false

Best for describing a situation where things are out of place or not in harmony, causing a sense of confusion or absurdity.

• The incongruity of a cat barking instead of meowing was startling
• The formal dining room’s ornate decor felt out of place when used for a child's birthday party

Appropriate for describing unexpected changes in a story or situation that surprise the audience. Often used in literature and films.

• In a twist of fate, the protagonist’s best friend turned out to be the villain
• The novel's ending had a brilliant twist that no one saw coming

Irony is often used to describe a situation where there is a sharp contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, often highlighting some form of humor or criticism.

• It's ironic that the fire station burned down
• She posted a video on YouTube about how useless and boring YouTube is

Contradiction refers to statements or concepts that are opposed to one another, creating a situation where they cannot both be true simultaneously. It is often used in logical arguments and discussions.

• Saying that she hates cats, but she owns five, is a clear contradiction
• The politician's statements are full of contradictions

An unexpected outcome is a result that was not anticipated or predicted, often used in various fields like experiments, sports, and everyday situations.

• The experiment had an unexpected outcome, proving the hypothesis wrong
• The underdog team's victory was certainly an unexpected outcome

A twist of fate describes an unforeseen and usually surprising turn of events, often implying that destiny has played a role. It's commonly used in stories or anecdotes.

• In a twist of fate, the man she saved from a car accident turned out to be her long-lost brother
• The job she didn't want led her to meet the love of her life, quite a twist of fate