irony

noun C1

Meaning

Irony is a rhetorical device or figure of speech in which the intended meaning of a word or expression is opposite to its literal meaning, often employed to convey a sense of humor, sarcasm, or critical insight, particularly highlighting discrepancies bet
💡 While irony is often used in everyday language, it can be misinterpreted; distinguishing between genuine irony and straightforward statements is crucial for effective communication, particularly in formal contexts.

Example Sentences

The irony of the experiment was that results contradicted initial hypotheses .
The irony of the situation was not lost on the observers .

Never forget "irony"

Set a daily goal, reinforce with word cards and games, and track your progress in the Vocab5000 app — learn every C1 level word permanently with our science-based repetition system.

Vocab5000