C1noun2K

UK/["/ˈaɪrəni/"]/US/["/ˈaɪrəni/"]/

Meaning of Irony

the funny or strange aspect of a situation that is very different from what you expect; a situation like this

In simple words: A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.

Irony in a sentence

  • It is a deep irony that the fire station burned down last night.
  • Her speech was full of irony, making it clear she didn’t truly support the proposal.
  • Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters do.
  • The irony of the situation was that the doctor became seriously ill.
  • Verbal irony, where someone says the opposite of what they mean, can be amusing.
  • There is an irony in how the environmentalist’s car broke down due to neglect.
  • Situational irony happened when the police officer was caught committing a crime.

How to use Irony

Irony is often used in literature and everyday conversation to highlight contradictions. It's typically appropriate in both casual and formal settings, but be cautious of overusing it, as it may lead to confusion.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'I-RONY' as 'Ironic Reality'. Imagine a firefighter's house burning down.

Related words

Collocations with Irony

Synonyms for Irony

Opposites of Irony

  • seriousness
  • sincerity
  • earnestness

Common mistakes with Irony

  • Confused with sarcasm, as they are related but distinct.
  • Using 'ironic' inaccurately; not all contradictions are ironic.
  • Overusing irony in serious contexts where clarity is more appropriate.

Compare Irony with Sarcasm, Paradox, Contradiction

Irony appears in

Irony in other languages

More words like Irony

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Frequently asked questions about Irony

What does Irony mean?

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.

What is the definition of Irony?

the funny or strange aspect of a situation that is very different from what you expect; a situation like this

How do you use Irony in a sentence?

It is a deep irony that the fire station burned down last night.

Can you give another example of Irony?

Her speech was full of irony, making it clear she didn’t truly support the proposal.

What are synonyms for Irony?

Common alternatives include sarcasm, paradox, contradiction, mockery, incongruity.

What is the opposite of Irony?

Opposite meanings include seriousness, sincerity, earnestness.

What words go with Irony?

It commonly pairs with great, heavy, gentle, hint, touch, trace, by a… irony, a certain irony, great, heavy, gentle, hint, touch, trace, by a… irony, a certain irony.

What are common mistakes when using Irony?

Confused with sarcasm, as they are related but distinct. Using 'ironic' inaccurately; not all contradictions are ironic. Overusing irony in serious contexts where clarity is more appropriate.

How do you pronounce Irony?

US: /["/ˈaɪrəni/"]/, UK: /["/ˈaɪrəni/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Irony?

Irony is often used in literature and everyday conversation to highlight contradictions. It's typically appropriate in both casual and formal settings, but be cautious of overusing it, as it may lead to confusion.

What CEFR level is Irony?

"Irony" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.