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irony
1[ ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er- ]
noun
- the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning:
the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.
- Literature.
- a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated.
- (especially in contemporary writing) a manner of organizing a work so as to give full expression to contradictory or complementary impulses, attitudes, etc., especially as a means of indicating detachment from a subject, theme, or emotion.
- an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.
- the incongruity of this.
- an objectively sardonic style of speech or writing.
- an objectively or humorously sardonic utterance, disposition, quality, etc.
irony
2[ ahy-er-nee ]
adjective
- consisting of, containing, or resembling the metal iron:
an irony color.
irony
1/ ˈaɪənɪ /
adjective
- of, resembling, or containing iron
irony
2/ ˈaɪrənɪ /
noun
- the humorous or mildly sarcastic use of words to imply the opposite of what they normally mean
- an instance of this, used to draw attention to some incongruity or irrationality
- incongruity between what is expected to be and what actually is, or a situation or result showing such incongruity
- See dramatic irony
- philosophy See Socratic irony
irony
- The use of words to mean something very different from what they appear on the surface to mean. Jonathan Swift uses irony in “ A Modest Proposal ” when he suggests the eating of babies as a solution to overpopulation and starvation in Ireland .
Word History and Origins
Origin of irony1
Origin of irony2
Word History and Origins
Origin of irony1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
It may be fun and it may get them paid, until oversaturation ruins our sense for irony and destroys the market for it.
The irony did not escape one local, Laith Hathim, as he stood and watched the newly minted refugees make their way into Mosul.
The irony has thinned with the economy, perhaps: Who can really afford just to pretend to DIY today?
The root of the word irony is in the Greek eironeia, “liar.”
Lacking any sense of irony, Eldridge made campaign-finance reform a signature plank.
This unreasoning, feminine obstinacy so wrought upon him that he permitted himself a smile and a lapse into irony and banter.
Today her irony was concealed, but, like a carefully-covered fire, he knew it was burning still.
Barrington winced a little, for he recognized the irony in the failing voice, but he rose and moved towards the bed.
As you will see, I was unable to end my letter without a touch of impertinent irony, which proved how much in love I still was.
Ovid looked a bit doubtful, but Scattergood's voice was so interested, so bland, that any suspicion of irony was allayed.
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