



plural iro·nies

Full Definition of IRONY

c :  an ironic expression or utterance

Examples of IRONY

  1. a writer known for her clever use of irony
  5. That's just one of life's little ironies.
  6. The irony of the situation was apparent to everyone.
  7. He has a strong sense of irony.

Origin of IRONY

Latin ironia, from Greek eirōnia, from eirōn dissembler
First Known Use: 1502

Synonym Discussion of IRONY

wit, humor, irony, sarcasm, satire, repartee mean a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement. wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous <a playful wit>. humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness <a sense of humor>. irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed <the irony of the title>. sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound <given to heartless sarcasm>. satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature <a satire on the Congress>. repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily <a dinner guest noted for repartee>.

Other Literature Terms

IRONIES Defined for Kids


noun iro·ny \ˈī-rə-nē\
plural iro·nies

Definition of IRONY for Kids

:  a result opposite to what was expected


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