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irony

i·ro·ny [ rənee ] (plural i·ro·nies)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. humor based on opposites: humor based on using words to suggest the opposite of their literal meaning

2. something humorous based on contradiction: something said or written that uses humor based on words suggesting the opposite of their literal meaning

3. incongruity: incongruity between what actually happens and what might be expected to happen, especially when this disparity seems absurd or laughable

4. incongruous thing: something that happens that is incongruous with what might be expected to happen, especially when this seems absurd or laughable

5. theater 
Same as  dramatic irony


6. philosophy 
Same as  Socratic irony


[Early 16th century. Via Latin ironia< Greek eirōneia "pretended ignorance" < eirōn "dissembler"]

Word Usage

See ironic.

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