Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er-]
- /ˈaɪ rə ni, ˈaɪ ər-/
- /ˈaɪ.rə.ni/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er-]
- /ˈaɪ rə ni, ˈaɪ ər-/
Definitions of irony word
- noun plural irony the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning: the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend. 1
- noun plural irony Literature. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated. (especially in contemporary writing) a manner of organizing a work so as to give full expression to contradictory or complementary impulses, attitudes, etc., especially as a means of indicating detachment from a subject, theme, or emotion. 1
- noun plural irony Socratic irony. 1
- noun plural irony dramatic irony. 1
- noun plural irony an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected. 1
- noun plural irony the incongruity of this. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of irony
First appearance:
before 1495 One of the 26% oldest English words
1495-1505; < Latin īrōnīa < Greek eirōneía dissimulation, sarcasm, understatement, equivalent to eírōn a dissembler + -eia -y3
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Irony
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
irony popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 94% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
irony usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for irony
noun irony
- twist — to combine, as two or more strands or threads, by winding together; intertwine.
- paradox — a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
- wit — the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure. Synonyms: drollery, facetiousness, waggishness, repartee.
- humor — hacker humour
- satire — the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.
Antonyms for irony
noun irony
- compliment — A compliment is a polite remark that you say to someone to show that you like their appearance, appreciate their qualities, or approve of what they have done.
- praise — the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.
- flattery — the act of flattering.
- seriousness — of, showing, or characterized by deep thought.
- approval — If you win someone's approval for something that you ask for or suggest, they agree to it.
Top questions with irony
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