irony
Say it: EYE-ruh-nee /ˈaɪrəni/ · noun
What “irony” means
When what happens is the opposite of what you'd expect.
More precisely: Saying the opposite of what you mean for effect; or an outcome contrary to what was expected.
When to use it
Use it when reality reverses an expectation in a pointed or amusing way, rather than for any ordinary coincidence.
It can also mean
It also means saying the opposite of what you mean for effect.
Similar words
sarcasm, incongruity, paradox
Where it comes from
From Greek eirōneia, 'pretended ignorance'.
Quick check
A swimming instructor who teaches everyone water safety falls into the pool while demonstrating how to avoid falling. That's…
irony or coincidence?
Show the answer
irony
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