What is the correct definition of a 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 the definition of irony and examples?

The definition of irony as a literary device is a situation in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality. For example, the difference between what something appears to mean versus its literal meaning. Irony is associated with both tragedy and humor.

What is the simple definition of ironic?

English Language Learners Definition of ironic : using words that mean the opposite of what you really think especially in order to be funny. : strange or funny because something (such as a situation) is different from what you expected.

What is similar to irony?

Some common synonyms of irony are humor, repartee, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean “a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement,” irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

What’s an example of ironic?

A child runs away from someone throwing a water balloon at him and falls into the pool. This is ironic because the child ends up wetter than he would have been, thwarting his expectations of what would happen when he ran away from the water balloon.

What is not considered irony?

Irony requires an opposing meaning between what’s said and what’s intended. Sounds simple, but it’s not. A paradox, something that seems contradictory but may be true, is not an irony.

Why do people find it hard to define irony?

It’s a literary device that highlights the incongruity (a fancy word for ‘difference’) between one’s expectation for a situation, and the reality. Part of the reason people find it hard to give a definition of irony is because of Alanis Morissette’s 1995 hit song ‘ Ironic ‘.

What are the different types of irony in storytelling?

Irony can be sad and tragic, or it can funny and satirical. In other words, there are limitless ways you can wield irony in your stories. There are 3 different types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Each has a different definition and function in storytelling.

Which is the best definition of verbal irony?

Verbal irony sets forth a contrast between what is literally said and what is actually meant. In dramatic irony, the state of the action or what is happening as far as what the reader or viewer knows is the reverse of what the players or characters suppose it to be.

What is the meaning of irony in drama?

b : incongruity between a situation developed in a drama and the accompanying words or actions that is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play — called also dramatic irony, tragic irony.