Agency Dictionary
Irony
nounPronunciation: /ˈaɪ.rə.ni/
In Portuguese: Ironia
Writing & NarrativeWhat does “Irony” mean?
The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Also, a state of affairs that is contrary to what one expects.
Etymology
Recorded in English from the early 16th century. From Latin ironia, in part through Middle French ironie, from Greek eironeia, "feigned ignorance", from eiron, "one who feigns ignorance, a dissembler". In Greek comedy, the eiron was the character who won by pretending to know less than the alazon, the braggart. The literary sense of saying one thing while meaning another descends directly from this figure.
Usage note
Three main kinds are usually distinguished: verbal irony (saying the opposite of what is meant), dramatic irony (the audience knows more than the characters), and situational irony (events turn out the opposite of what was expected).
Synonyms
- sarcasm
- mockery
Often confused with
- sarcasm
- Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony used to mock or wound. Irony is the broader category and can be gentle, humorous or tragic.
Word family
- ironic
- ironically
- ironist
- ironize
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- Antithesisnoun
- A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
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- A new beginning after a period of decline or destruction, used in mythology to describe the cyclical return to life after death. In Archetype.0, rebirth is the defining characteristic of both the Bennu and the Phoenix.
- Discursiveadjective
- Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
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- A group of words taken verbatim from a published text or speech and repeated by another author.
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- The intentional or accidental act of leaving something out or excluding details from a statement or text.
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- The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
- literary devicenoun
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- Accuracynoun
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Also from these editions: terms
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- Talentnoun
- Natural aptitude, exceptional skill, or superior innate capacity for a specific craft, artistic expression, intellectual inquiry, or physical performance.
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