Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   irony

   /ˈʌɪrəni/

   noun

   • 1. the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect: "‘Don't go overboard with the gratitude,’ he rejoined with heavy irony" Similar sarcasmsardonicismdrynesscausticitysharpnessacerbityacidbitternesstrenchancymordancycynicismmockerysatireridiculederisionscornsneeringwrynessbackhandednessinformal:sarkinessOpposite sincerity
   • ▪ a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often wryly amusing as a result: "the irony is that I thought he could help me" Similar paradoxparadoxical natureincongruityincongruousnesspeculiarityOpposite logic
   • ▪ a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character's words or actions is clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character.

   Word Origin early 16th century (also denoting Socratic irony): via Latin from Greek eirōneia ‘simulated ignorance’, from eirōn ‘dissembler’.

   Scrabble Points: 8

   • I

     1

   • R

     1

   • O

     1

   • N

     1

   • Y

     4

   Powered by Oxford Dictionaries

   More definitions, origin and scrabble points