What is the real meaning of irony?
Table of Contents
Definition of irony 1a : the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning. b : a usually humorous or sardonic literary style or form characterized by irony. c : an ironic expression or utterance.
How is irony different from sarcasm?
When it comes to irony vs. sarcasm, it’s hard to see the difference between these two terms. However, irony is the opposite of what you would expect. Sarcasm, on the other hand, has a condescending tone meant to embarrass or insult someone.
Is irony a contradiction?
Irony: A contradiction between appearance or expectation and reality. 1. Verbal irony is when a speaker says one thing and means something else or the opposite. 2.
Is the irony lost?
It means that you understood the irony of the situation, i.e., the strange, contradictory, or unexpected nature of the situation. When something “is not lost on you”, it means you are able to understand it.
Is irony the same as sarcasm?
Verbal irony is a figure of speech that communicates the opposite of what is said, while sarcasm is a form of irony that is directed at a person, with the intent to criticise.
What type of irony is sarcasm?
Verbal irony: Verbal irony is when a character says something that is different from what they really mean or how they really feel. If the intent of the irony is to mock, it is known as sarcasm.
What is the difference between ironic and ironical?
Ironical is a standard word—it is an alternative adjective form of irony—but it means the same thing as ironic. Ironical is the more old-fashioned form of the word, and ironic is the more common form today.
What exactly is irony?
Here’s a quick and simple definition: Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition, don’t worry—it is.
Is irony a sign of bad luck?
Irony is not synonymous with sarcasm, coincidence, or bad luck. While these concepts can have ironic characteristics, they’re not interchangeable. More on that later. Irony creates contrast between how things seem and how they really are beneath the surface.
What is sarcasm in the form of irony?
Sarcasm is a bitter, cutting, or mocking taunt used to denigrate a particular person, place, or thing. It can sometimes take the form of verbal irony. For instance, if you were to say to someone who had just cut you in line, “What a polite, civilized person you are!” that would be sarcasm in the form of irony,…
What is an example of verbal irony in literature?
For example, if someone has a painful visit to the dentist and when it’s over says, “Well, that was pleasant,” they are using verbal irony because the intended meaning of their words (that it wasn’t at all pleasant) is the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Verbal irony is the most common form of irony.