ironic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes a situation that is funny or strange because the result is the exact opposite of what was intended.
characterised by situational irony, where the outcome of an event is incongruous with what was expected or intended.
Simple“It is ironic that the famous computer expert couldn't fix his own laptop.”
In context“There is something deeply ironic about a billionaire philanthropist who made his fortune by exploiting the very communities he now seeks to save.”
PitfallIt was ironic that it rained on my wedding day. It was unfortunate that it rained on my wedding day.Many people use 'ironic' to mean 'unlucky' or 'coincidental', but strictly it should describe a reversal of expectations, like a fire station burning down.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
using words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say, usually to be funny or unkind.
relating to verbal irony; expressing meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
Simple“He gave an ironic smile when I told him I was finally on time.”
In context“The critic's ironic tone suggested that he found the play's supposed 'deep meaning' to be nothing more than pretentious nonsense.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
doing something in a way that shows you are not being serious or that you are making fun of it.
characterised by a detached, teasing, or unserious attitude toward a subject or activity.
Simple“She wears that old-fashioned hat in an ironic way to look cool.”
In context“The band's ironic performance of the cheesy pop song was a hit with the younger audience who understood the joke.”
“Niu Lai's confusing plot and laughable animation quality has won ironic fans on the internet.”
“Wells’ 1898 The War of the Worlds , which can be read as an ironic reversal of many of the motifs of classic invasion fiction.”
Borrowed from Late Latin īrōnicus, from Ancient Greek εἰρωνικός (eirōnikós). Compare Middle French, ironique, equivalent to irony + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.