What does IRONY mean?

Irony

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A situation in which there is a contrast or discrepancy between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs.

Pronunciation (US): /ˈaɪrəni/

Pronunciation (UK): /ˈaɪrəni/

Origin and Usage: The word "irony" comes from the Greek word "eironeia," which means "dissimulation" or "feigned ignorance." It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a rhetorical device in which a speaker says one thing but means another. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include a broader range of situations in which there is a contrast or discrepancy between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs.

Synonyms: Sarcasm, satire, mockery, cynicism, paradox.

Related Words: Satire, humor, wit, pun, tease.

Example Sentences:

1. It was an irony that the firefighters house burned down.
2. It is an irony that the politician who campaigned against corruption was later found guilty of embezzlement.
3. The irony of the situation was not lost on him.
4. It is an irony that the company that produces cigarettes also funds anti-smoking campaigns.
5. The irony of the situation was that the person who had been the most critical of his work was the one who ended up hiring him.