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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
And, in a twist of irony, manatees' Florida residency was fueled by the same factor that now threatens their existence -- climate change.
The irony and the tragedy are that during the interval between Harris’ debut as the nominee-apparent in late July and the debate in mid-September, the Democrats finally got their act together.
The irony is not lost on Dee Goddard, who grew up "down south", when she says that she originally moved to the area because "we thought it would be a cheaper option".
"I guess there's a bit of irony," Billam-Smith said in the ring after the bout.
The irony of lauding a white fictional boxing hero in Philadelphia wasn’t lost on comedian Bill Burr who in 2011 said:
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