i·ro·ny ( P ) Pronunciation Key (r-n, r-) n. pl. i·ro·nies
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- The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.
- An expression or utterance marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning.
- A literary style employing such contrasts for humorous or rhetorical effect. See Synonyms at wit1.
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- Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs: Hyde noted the irony of Ireland's copying the nation she most hated (Richard Kain).
- An occurrence, result, or circumstance notable for such incongruity. See Usage Note at ironic.
- Dramatic irony.
- Socratic irony.
[French ironie, from Old French, from Latin rna, from Greek eirneia, feigned ignorance, from eirn, dissembler, probably from eirein, to say. See wer-5 in Indo-European Roots.] |