Word
wry
US/ˈɹaɪ/
UK/ɹˈaɪ/
Definition
adj. having a slightly humorous or sarcastic look on your face. You use this to describe someone who is not angry, but is showing a bit of dry humor.
adj. characterised by a dry, sarcastic, or ironic expression. Often used to describe a facial expression that suggests a person is amused or slightly annoyed without being overtly hostile.
Examples
“He gave a wry smile when he heard the bad news.”
“The actor's wry expression suggested he was not entirely pleased with the script but was trying to be professional.”
“Her wry observation about the situation was met with a mix of laughter and silence, as the group struggled to reconcile her dry humor with the gravity of the moment.”
Examples
simple
“He gave a wry smile when he heard the bad news.”
contextual
“The actor's wry expression suggested he was not entirely pleased with the script but was trying to be professional.”
complex
“Her wry observation about the situation was met with a mix of laughter and silence, as the group struggled to reconcile her dry humor with the gravity of the moment.”
Real-World Examples
“Bana, a comedian who had been recommended by Read for the part, brilliantly captured the mix of violence and wry naivety the role demanded.” Etymology
From Middle English wrien, from Old English wrīġian (“to go, turn, twist, bend, strive, struggle, press forward, endeavor, venture”), from Proto-Germanic wrigōną (“to wriggle”), from Proto-Indo-European wreyḱ- (“to turn, wrap, tie”), from *wer- (“to turn, bend”). Compare awry, wriggle.
From Middle English wryen, wrien, wreon, wrihen, from Old English wrēon (“to cover, clothe, envelop”), from Proto-West Germanic wrīhan, from Proto-Germanic wrīhaną (“to wrap, cover”), from Proto-Indo-European wreyḱ- (“to turn, wrap, tie”), from wer- (“to turn, bend”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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