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irony

[ˈaɪrəni]

irony Definition

  • 1the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect
  • 2a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result

Using irony: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "irony" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    It's ironic that the firefighter's house burned down.

  • Example

    The irony of the situation was not lost on her.

  • Example

    The irony of the situation is that he made more money when he was unemployed.

  • Example

    The irony of the play is that the audience knows more than the characters.

irony Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using irony

  • a situation in which events seem to be deliberately working against someone, often with a sense of inevitability

    Example

    After years of avoiding accidents, he was hit by a car while walking to work. The irony of fate was not lost on him.

  • a situation in which virtue is rewarded and vice punished in a fitting or ironic way

    Example

    After years of cheating on his taxes, he was caught by the IRS and had to pay a large fine. It was poetic justice.

  • life's little ironies

    unexpected or ironic events that happen in everyday life

    Example

    After spending all day cleaning the house, she spilled coffee on the carpet. Life's little ironies, she thought.

Phrases with irony

  • a literary technique in which the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension or suspense

    Example

    In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is not really dead, but Romeo does not, creating dramatic irony.

  • verbal irony

    a figure of speech in which words are used to suggest the opposite of their literal meaning, often for humorous or sarcastic effect

    Example

    Saying 'What a beautiful day' when it's raining outside is an example of verbal irony.

  • a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, resulting in an unexpected outcome

    Example

    A fire station burning down is an example of situational irony.

Origins of irony

from Greek 'eironeia', meaning 'dissimulation' or 'feigned ignorance'

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Summary: irony in Brief

Irony [ˈaɪrəni] refers to the use of language to express the opposite of what is meant, often for humorous or emphatic effect. It can also describe situations that are contrary to expectations, often with amusing results. Examples include 'It's ironic that the firefighter's house burned down,' and 'The irony of the situation was not lost on her.' Irony can take different forms, such as dramatic, verbal, and situational irony, and is often used in literature. Idioms like 'the irony of fate' and 'poetic justice' describe situations where events seem to be working against someone in an ironic way.

How do native speakers use this expression?