Wry: meaning, definitions and examples

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wry

[ raɪ ]

^{Context #1}

sense of humor

Using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor.

Synonyms

ironic, sarcastic, satirical

Examples of usage

He made wry jokes about the situation.
Her wry sense of humor always made me laugh.

^{Context #2}

facial expression

Twisted or bent to one side, often in a humorous or ironic manner.

Synonyms

crooked, sardonic, twisted

Examples of usage

She gave him a wry smile.
The cat looked at me with a wry expression.

Translations

Translations of the word "wry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irônico

🇮🇳 विकृत

🇩🇪 sarkastisch

🇮🇩 sarkastis

🇺🇦 іронічний

🇵🇱 sarkastyczny

🇯🇵 皮肉な

🇫🇷 ironique

🇪🇸 irónico

🇹🇷 alaycı

🇰🇷 비꼬는

🇸🇦 ساخر

🇨🇿 ironický

🇸🇰 ironický

🇨🇳 讽刺的

🇸🇮 ironičen

🇮🇸 kaldhæðinn

🇰🇿 ирониялы

🇬🇪 ირონიული

🇦🇿 ironik

🇲🇽 irónico

Word origin

The word 'wry' originated from the Old English word 'wrigian', meaning 'to twist or turn'. Over time, the meaning of 'wry' evolved to include both a sense of twisted humor and a physical twist or bend. The adjective 'wry' has been used in English literature since the 16th century to describe both humorous wit and a twisted expression. It has become a versatile term to convey both dry humor and a sardonic twist, making it a popular choice for writers and speakers alike.