irony
n.-
1 saying the opposite (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea way of speaking where you say one thing but mean the opposite, often to be funny or show a point.
the use of words to express something other than—and especially the opposite of—the literal meaning. Often used as a rhetorical device to highlight absurdity.
Example"What a beautiful day," she said with irony as the rain poured down.
ExampleThe critic noted the heavy irony in the politician's speech, where he praised transparency while refusing to release his own financial records.
PitfallHe said with irony that he loved the rain.He said with heavy irony that he loved the rain.In English, we often use adjectives like 'heavy', 'bitter', or 'gentle' to describe the tone of irony being used.
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2 strange coincidence (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that is the opposite of what you expected.
situational irony involving a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often wryly amusing as a result.
ExampleThe irony of the situation was that the computer expert's own laptop broke.
ExampleThere is a profound irony in the fact that the most famous book on privacy was written by a man who shared every detail of his life online.
- paradox
- incongruity
PitfallThe irony is that I forgot my keys.The misfortune is that I forgot my keys.Do not use 'irony' for simple bad luck. Irony requires a poetic or meaningful contradiction, like a fire station burning down.
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3 theatre/storytelling (n.) C1 Advanced Academic Theatrewhen the audience watching a play or movie knows something important that the characters do not know.
dramatic irony; a literary technique by which the full significance of a character's words or actions is clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character.
ExampleIn the play, the irony is that we know the hero is walking into a trap, but he thinks he is safe.
ExampleThe director employs dramatic irony to build tension, allowing the audience to witness the villain's preparations while the protagonist remains blissfully unaware of the impending betrayal.
First attested in 1502. From Middle French ironie, from Old French, from Latin īrōnīa, from Ancient Greek εἰρωνεία (eirōneía, “irony, pretext”), from εἴρων (eírōn, “one who feigns ignorance”).
From Middle English hyrony, yreny, yrony, yrunny, equivalent to iron + -y.
- Nounirony
- Adjectiveironic