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   I·ro·ny

   /ˈīrənē/

   

   noun

   • 1. the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect: "“Don't go overboard with the gratitude,” he rejoined with heavy irony" Similar sarcasmsardonicismdrynesscausticitysharpnessacerbityacidbitternesstrenchancymordancycynicismmockerysatireridiculederisionscornsneeringwrynessbackhandednessinformal:sarkinessOpposite sincerity
   • ▪ a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result: "the irony is that I thought he could help me" Similar paradoxparadoxical natureincongruityincongruousnesspeculiarityOpposite logic
   • ▪ a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character.

   Word Origin early 16th century (also denoting Socratic irony): via Latin from Greek eirōneia ‘simulated ignorance’, from eirōn ‘dissembler’.

   Scrabble Points: 8

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