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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.

irony

/ˈaɪrəni/ /ˈaɪrəni/

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.

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