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irony

/ˈaɪrəni/  ·  say it: EYE·ruh·nee

meaning the opposite of what is said, or events defying expectation

In Literary English

In more detail

1. (noun) a situation in which something happens that is the opposite of what you would expect

2. (noun) the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really mean, often for humorous effect

Examples

• 1. It's irony that a lifeguard drowned in the ocean. 2. When he said "Great job!" after I failed the test, he was using irony.

How to use irony

Irony refers either to an unexpected contradiction between reality and expectation (situational or dramatic irony) or to a deliberately mocking way of speaking where you say the opposite of what you mean (verbal irony or sarcasm). The term often carries a tone of wry observation or humor, and it's frequently used to highlight absurdity, hypocrisy, or coincidence. Distinguish irony from sarcasm: irony is broader and can be unintentional, while sarcasm is always deliberately mocking.

Common phrases

• the irony is that
• tragic irony
• dramatic irony
• situational irony
• steeped in irony
• rich irony

Synonyms

incongruity · paradox · contradiction · sarcasm · wit

Word family

ironic · ironical · ironically · ironist

A common mistake

Learners often conflate irony with mere coincidence or use 'ironic' loosely for anything surprising; true irony involves a meaningful contradiction or reversal of expectations, not just an unexpected event.

Nearby in Literary English

epistolary, foreshadowing, hyperbole, juxtaposition, metaphor, motif

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained