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irony

Irony (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈaɪ rə ni/

What does irony mean?

A stark contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs, often leading to a sense of incongruity or amusement.
"It was a cruel irony that the firefighter's house burned down while he was out saving others."

Detailed Meaning of Irony

Irony can manifest in various forms, such as situational irony, where the outcome is contrary to what is anticipated, or verbal irony, where the intended meaning contradicts the literal interpretation of words. This nuanced interplay of expectations and reality generates a distinctive tension that invites reflection and introspection. Through its paradoxical nature, irony serves as a powerful tool to expose contradictions, highlight societal absurdities, or convey deeper truths about human nature, adding layers of complexity and depth to narratives and conversations alike.

Example Sentences for Irony

1. The irony of the situation was palpable as the self-proclaimed expert struggled to solve a basic math problem.
2. The irony of the environmentalist driving a gas-guzzling SUV was not lost on his friends.
3. In a twist of irony, the health-conscious marathon runner slipped on a banana peel and ended up in the hospital.
4. The irony of the politician preaching about honesty while being caught in multiple scandals was hard to ignore.
5. It was an irony of fate that the aspiring chef lost her sense of taste due to a medical condition.
6. The irony of the famous comedian being terrified of public speaking was a well-kept secret.

Origin and Etymology of Irony

The noun 'irony' has its origins in the Greek word 'eironeia,' which originally meant 'dissimulation' or 'feigned ignorance.' In ancient Greece, an 'eiron' was a type of character in comedy who pretended to be less intelligent than they truly were, often to mock or deceive others. The term 'eironeia' was later adopted into Latin as 'ironia,' with a similar connotation of feigned ignorance or pretense. Over time, the meaning of 'irony' shifted to describe a literary or rhetorical device involving a stark contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs. This contrast often leads to a sense of incongruity or amusement, as exemplified in situations where words or events take on a meaning different from their surface appearance. The etymology of 'irony' thus highlights its historical association with the use of language to convey hidden meanings and unexpected twists in communication or storytelling.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun irony:

sincerity

straightforwardness

contradiction

frankness

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Irony

1. The irony of the rain pouring down on their wedding day was seen as a sign of good luck.
2. Despite being a renowned chef, the irony was that he couldn't cook a decent meal for himself.
3. The irony of the dog barking at the mailman every day but wagging its tail when a burglar entered was quite amusing.
4. The irony of the artist who couldn't see colors but painted mesmerizing landscapes was a testament to the power of imagination.
5. It was an irony of life that the lottery winner ended up losing all their fortune in a series of poor investments.
6. The irony of the situation was that the firefighter's house burned down.
7. Her promotion, meant to bring joy, was filled with bitter irony.
8. The weather forecast predicted sunshine, but rain greeted us—a perfect irony.
9. In a twist of irony, the health guru developed a rare illness.
10. The irony of the chef burning his dinner was not lost on anyone.
11. Their reunion, intended to heal, ended in bitter irony.
12. The scientist's failed experiment was a cruel irony of fate.
13. The irony of life is that it often defies our well-laid plans.
14. His perfect attendance record ended with the irony of a flat tire.
15. Winning the lottery brought him wealth but also the irony of loneliness.
16. The irony of the artist's masterpiece was that it remained unnoticed.
17. In an unexpected twist of irony, the pacifist became a war hero.
18. The irony of her impeccable driving record was the parking ticket.
19. The irony of the detective's case was that the culprit was his brother.
20. The irony of the movie's plot left the audience in stitches.
21. The wedding planner's own marriage ended in tragic irony.
22. The irony of the environmentalist's commute was a gas-guzzling SUV.
23. The irony of the comedian's life was a constant struggle with sadness.
24. The athlete's strict diet led to the irony of a candy addiction.
25. The historian found irony in the fact that his birthplace was forgotten.