Irony – stating the opposite of what is true

PRONOUNCE IRONY

(Pronounced eye-ruhn-ee)

REMEMBER MEANING OF IRONY

Irony is stating the opposite of what is true for humorous effect or emphasis.

To remember the definition of the word irony, use the following mnemonic:

She had to have an iron knee (irony) fitted, but it had the opposite effect to what was expected: it made it even more difficult for her to walk.

For instance, if someone failed to thank you for a present or a kind deed, you might say: "Don't go overboard with the gratitude!"

Irony is also a situation or an event that seems deliberately opposite to what was expected. For example, if someone tries to help you but makes the situation worse, you might say: "The irony is that I actually thought she could help me!"

Examples of irony in a sentence

The irony is that by the time you've earned enough to buy the things you always wanted, you no longer have the energy to enjoy them.

She had to laugh at the irony of the situation: she'd quit her job for a new one paying a little more money, and now her old firm was paying every employee a huge bonus!

The irony of their marriage therapist filing for divorce was not lost on Jennifer and George.