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irony

EYE-ruh-nee /ˈaɪ.rə.ni/

nounB2GRESATIELTS

formalneutral

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect, or a state of affairs that appears deliberately contrary to what one expects.

Requires a fundamental gap between expectation and reality, or between literal words and intended meaning.

The story behind the word. Traces back to the stock character 'Eiron' in ancient Greek comedy—a clever underdog who feigned ignorance to outwit the boastful 'Alazon'. Socrates famously adopted this technique (Socratic irony), pretending to know nothing so his questions would expose the flawed logic of his opponents.

Word relationships

paradox: A 'paradox' is a self-contradictory statement that reveals a truth, whereas 'irony' involves a clash between reality and expectation.
incongruity: 'Incongruity' means out of place, while 'irony' implies an intriguing or humorous contradiction.

sincerity: 'Sincerity' means direct, straightforward alignment between words and true feelings.
literalness: Literalness means exact alignment with primary definitions without underlying double meaning.

Commonly confused with

coincidence: A coincidence is two related events happening by chance; irony requires a contradiction of expectations.

Word family

ironic (adjective): Using or characterized by irony.
ironically (adverb): In an ironic manner.

Collocations

dramatic irony
situational irony
verbal irony
heavy irony

Idioms & expressions

irony of ironies
delicious irony

Example sentences

"The tragic irony of the play rests in the fact that the audience knows the secret identity long before the hero does." Literary Criticism
"There was a distinct irony in the fire station burning down while all the firefighters were away attending a safety seminar." Everyday Conversation

Memory hook

IRONy: hard contrast between expectation and reality. When reality flips what you expected.

When not to use

Do not label simple bad luck or coincidence as irony. Rain on your wedding day is unfortunate, not ironic, unless you chose the date because a weather report guaranteed zero chance of rain.

Fun facts

Alanis Morissette's famous 1995 song 'Ironic' actually describes mostly unfortunate coincidences rather than true ironies, creating an unintended meta-irony enjoyed by English teachers worldwide.