Irony
A contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs; also a style of expression in which the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning.
nounIrony
A contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs; also a style of expression in which the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning.
nounImagine This
Imagine a weather forecaster predicting sunshine, but a sudden storm erupts; the forecast is ironic because reality contradicts the promise.
Sounds Like
EYE-ruh-nee
Looks Like
iron-y (hinting at the idea of 'opposite of what you expect')
Remember This
From Greek eirōneía meaning feigned ignorance or deception; a staple device in literature—three main types: verbal, dramatic, and situational.
Other Forms
Connect With
paradox, incongruity, satire, sarcasm, dramatic irony, verbal irony, situational irony
Note
Irony is not the same as sarcasm. Irony involves a contrast between appearance/reality and what is said; sarcasm is a biting remark often used to mock. Also distinguish from mere coincidence.