The irony meaning, at its root, is a contrast between appearance and reality: words that point one way while the speaker means the other, or a result that is the reverse of what was intended or expected. If a fire station burns down, or a speaker gives a long talk on keeping meetings short, there is irony in it.
The adjective is ironic, and the adverb is ironically. Irony is a tool in literature and comedy, but it also lives in daily speech, where it is often misused for plain coincidence or bad luck. The sections below sort out the kinds and the common slips.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
A meaningful gap between words and intent, or between expectation and outcomePart of speech
Noun (ironic, ironical: adjectives; ironically: adverb)Pronunciation
EYE-ruh-nee; ironic: eye-RON-ikMain types
verbal, situational, dramaticOrigin
Greek eironeia, "pretended ignorance", via Latin; in English from about 1500Close words
sarcasm, satire, paradoxField
Literature, drama, comedy, everyday speech
The three main kinds of irony, with an irony definition for each
- Verbal irony: saying something while meaning the opposite. Looking at pouring rain and saying "lovely day for a picnic" is verbal irony. Sarcasm is a sharp, mocking form of it.
- Situational irony: an outcome that clashes with what was intended or expected. A traffic safety campaign van gets a parking ticket; a pickpocket has his own wallet stolen.
- Dramatic irony: the audience knows something a character does not. Viewers watch a character happily open a door they know hides danger, and the tension comes from that gap in knowledge.
Writers also speak of Socratic irony (pretending to know less than you do, to draw someone out) and cosmic irony or the irony of fate (when life itself seems to mock human plans).
Ironic definition, and what it is not
A careful ironic definition: marked by a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, or between what is said and what is meant. The key is that the contrast has a point, often a twist that comments on the situation.
Many things called ironic are really just unlucky or coincidental:
| Situation | Ironic? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| It rains on your wedding day | No, just bad luck | Rain is always possible; nothing was turned around |
| A weather forecaster's outdoor wedding is rained out after she promised sunshine | Yes, mildly | Her expert prediction is reversed in her own life |
| You meet your neighbour on holiday abroad | No, a coincidence | Surprising, but no expectation is turned upside down |
| A grammar guide is printed with a spelling mistake on its cover | Yes | The product fails at the exact thing it teaches |
History of the irony meaning
Its deepest root is the Greek eironeia, "dissimulation, feigned ignorance", from eiron, a person who pretends to be less than they are. Ancient writers linked it with the philosopher Socrates, who claimed ignorance and asked simple questions to expose weak arguments. English took it from Latin ironia around 1500, mainly for speech that hides its real intent behind contrary words. The sense of events turning out contrary to expectation was in use by the 1640s.
A side note: there is a separate, rare adjective irony meaning "like iron", said EYE-er-nee. It is unrelated to the figure of speech.
Examples in sentences
- The irony of the situation was that the time management workshop started forty minutes late.
- "Great, another Monday," he said, with obvious irony.
- Ironically, the most careful driver in the family was the first to get a speeding fine.
- The play builds dramatic irony by letting the audience read the letter before the hero does.
- She found it ironic that the anti-litter poster had blown into the river.
Irony, sarcasm and satire
Sarcasm takes verbal irony and adds a target and a bite: it is meant to mock or hurt. Not all irony is sarcastic; much is gentle or simply observant. Satire names an entire piece or mode of writing that uses irony, exaggeration and humour to criticise people or institutions. A paradox holds two ideas that clash on the surface but can both hold up, which is different from a reversal of expectations. See also juxtaposition and our writing and grammar hub.
Tips for using ironic and ironically
Use ironic when there is a real reversal you could explain in a sentence: X was meant to do Y but did the opposite. If you cannot say what expectation was overturned, try coincidental, unlucky or strange instead. Ironically as a sentence opener ("Ironically, ...") should introduce a genuine twist. The irony meaning in English speech often rides on tone of voice, so in writing, especially messages, it can be missed. Adding context helps readers catch it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the definition of irony in simple words?
Irony is when the opposite of what you expect happens, or when someone says the opposite of what they mean. Both involve a twist between surface and reality.
How do you define ironic?
Ironic means showing irony: a result or remark that contrasts sharply with what was expected or meant. A lifeguard who cannot swim would be an ironic situation.
Is rain on your wedding day ironic?
Usually not. It is unfortunate, but rain is a normal risk, so nothing is reversed. It would only be ironic if, say, you had chosen the date because you were sure it would be dry.
What is dramatic irony?
Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something important that a character does not. It is common in plays, films and novels and creates suspense or dark humour.
What is the difference between irony and sarcasm?
Sarcasm is a sharp form of verbal irony used to mock someone. Irony is wider and includes situations and storytelling, not only spoken remarks.
How do you define irony in a literature exam?
Say that irony is a literary device built on a contrast between appearance and reality, then name the type (verbal, situational or dramatic) and give a short example from the text you studied.