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1. Dictionary

   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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2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › ironyIrony Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › irony

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   The meaning of IRONY is the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning. How to use irony in a sentence. What's irony? Synonym Discussion of Irony.

3. www.dictionary.com › browse › ironyIRONY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › irony

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   noun. the humorous or mildly sarcastic use of words to imply the opposite of what they normally mean. an instance of this, used to draw attention to some incongruity or irrationality. incongruity between what is expected to be and what actually is, or a situation or result showing such incongruity. See dramatic irony.

4. literaryterms.net › ironyIrony: Definition and Examples | LiteraryTerms.net

   literaryterms.net › irony

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   What is Irony? Irony (pronounced ‘eye-run-ee’) is when there are two contradicting meanings of the same situation, event, image, sentence, phrase, or story. In many cases, this refers to the difference between expectations and reality.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishIRONY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   a situation in which something which was intended to have a particular result has the opposite or a very different result: The irony ( of it) is that the new tax system will burden those it was intended to help. Fewer examples. With inevitable irony, it was Smith who scored the winning goal against his former team.

6. literarydevices.com › ironyIrony Examples and Definition - Literary Devices

   literarydevices.com › irony

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   As a literary device, irony is a contrast or incongruity between expectations for a situation and what is reality. This can be a difference between the surface meaning of something that is said and the underlying meaning. It can also be a difference between what might be expected to happen and what actually occurs.

7. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishirony noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   noun. /ˈaɪrəni/ (plural ironies) [uncountable, countable] the funny or strange aspect of a situation that is very different from what you expect; a situation like this. It was one of life's little ironies. the irony (is) that… The irony is that when he finally got the job, he discovered he didn't like it. Extra Examples.

8. literarydevices.net › ironyIrony Definition, Common Examples, and Significance in Literature

   literarydevices.net › irony

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   Definition of Irony. Irony is a literary device in which contradictory statements or situations reveal a reality that is different from what appears to be true. There are many forms of irony featured in literature. The effectiveness of irony as a literary device depends on the reader’s expectations and understanding of the disparity between ...