Irony - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Irony is a situation or statement where the outcome is the opposite of what was expected, often creating humor or emphasis. It highlights contrasts between expectations and reality.
Definition:
A situation where the opposite of what is expected occurs, often humorously or poignantly.
Synonyms:
Sarcasm, satire, incongruity, paradox
Part of Speech:
Noun
Antonyms:
Sincerity, straightforwardness
Common Collocations:
Bitter irony, tragic irony, verbal irony, situational irony
Derivatives:
Ironic, ironically
Usage Tips:
Use "irony" when outcomes contradict expectations; avoid confusing it with mere coincidence or sarcasm alone.
Common Phrases:
The irony of fate, dramatic irony, cosmic irony
Etymology:
From Greek "eironeia," meaning feigned ignorance or dissimulation, later evolving to its modern sense.
Examples:
- 1. The rain on her wedding day was a cruel irony after weeks of sunshine.
- 2. He praised the terrible movie with obvious irony in his voice.
- 3. The irony of the fire station burning down shocked everyone in town.
- 4. She laughed at the irony of getting lost while using a GPS device.