ironically

American  

[ahy-ron-ik-lee] / aɪˈrɒn ɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that uses words to mean the opposite of what they normally mean, or makes an obvious exaggeration or understatement, as a joke or in order to make a point.

   French author Voltaire ironically commented on war, “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

2. in a way that is the opposite of what would be expected, often as a remarkable coincidence.

   Ironically, one of the main messages of this text on warfare is how to avoid battle through meticulous preparation and planning.

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Other Word Forms

• nonironically adverb
• semi-ironically adverb
• unironically adverb

Etymology

Origin of ironically

First recorded in 1530–40; ironical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

And for Victor, ironically, really tapping into more of the feminine energy with him in some ways.

From Los Angeles Times

The one factor, ironically, that might yet derail its strong position in the Warner Bros. bidding is the stock market’s wavering confidence in the AI revolution.

From The Wall Street Journal

But it's only in the last year that it has taken off online, whether it be a motivational video for gains in the gym or ironically in a meme about a lazy cat.

From BBC

The show, which first aired just four months after Friends ended, saw Joey move to Los Angeles, where, ironically, his new sitcom was cancelled, forcing him to move in with family.

From BBC

"In Brazil, ironically, it was Oscar who got a penalty for nudging Antonelli, but at least he went for it."

From BBC

Related Words

• amusingly
• jokingly