ironically

[ ahy-ron-ik-lee ]

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.

Other Words From

• non·i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb
• sem·i-i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·i·ron·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ironically¹

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

Example Sentences

The world clearly values my work, and yet, ironically, little of that value expressed ends up back with me.

From Salon

"She was moaning about the rain, ironically," she said.

From BBC

They were things like coordinating correspondence from opposition MSPs, arranging to pay for legal advice for Mr Hamilton, and - somewhat ironically - dealing with freedom of information requests.

From BBC

“They’re model citizens in prison, and strangely, ironically, prison was probably a better life for them, and that’s why they were able to thrive,” Hecht said.

From Los Angeles Times

She is not overly emotional or crazy; ironically, Arkham Asylum bled those perceived frailties out of her.

From Salon

Related Words

• amusingly
• jokingly