What is a simple definition of irony?
Andrew Henderson
Updated on March 20, 2026
What is a simple definition of irony?
Full 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.
What is an irony and examples?
Verbal irony occurs when a speaker’s intention is the opposite of what he or she is saying. For example, a character stepping out into a hurricane and saying, “What nice weather we’re having!” Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows a key piece of information that a character in a play, movie or novel does not.
What is the definition of irony in poetry?
As a literary device, irony implies a distance between what is said and what is meant. Based on the context, the reader is able to see the implied meaning in spite of the contradiction.
What are the 10 examples of irony?
Common Examples of Situational Irony
- A fire station burns down.
- A marriage counselor files for divorce.
- The police station gets robbed.
- A post on Facebook complains about how useless Facebook is.
- A traffic cop gets his license suspended because of unpaid parking tickets.
- A pilot has a fear of heights.
How do you explain irony to a child?
Irony is when something happens that is the opposite from what is expected.
What are 3 types of irony?
There are primarily three types of irony: dramatic, situational, and verbal….3 Types of Irony
- Dramatic irony: Also known as tragic irony, this type of irony occurs when the audience knows something that the main characters do not.
- Situational irony: Situational irony occurs when an expected outcome is subverted.
What are the 3 different types of irony?
What is the definition of irony in literature?
Definition of irony. 1a : the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning.
What does it mean to use the word ‘great’ Ironically?
Here, using the word ‘great’ ironically indicates a higher negative implication, even though the wording is positive. The use of words to mean something different than what they appear to mean. The difference between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. When the audience is more aware of what is happening than a character.
What are the effects of dramatic irony?
The effects of dramatic irony can be seen in any story. Watching a character operate in circumstances where they don’t know the entire truth can be dramatic or suspenseful. But it can also be funny. Misunderstandings are the bread and butter of comedy, and dramatic irony is a fantastic way to generate misunderstanding.
What is the meaning of ironicc?
c : an ironic expression or utterance. 2a(1) : incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result. (2) : an event or result marked by such incongruity.