What is irony in English literature?
The definition of irony as a literary device is a situation in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality. For example, the difference between what something appears to mean versus its literal meaning. Irony is associated with both tragedy and humor.
What is irony Britannica?
Irony, linguistic and literary device, in spoken or written form, in which real meaning is concealed or contradicted. It is a form of indirection that avoids overt praise or censure, as in the casual irony of the statement “That was a smart thing to do!” (meaning “very foolish”).
Which is the best definition of the word irony?
Irony (from Ancient Greek εἰρωνεία eirōneía, meaning ‘ dissimulation, feigned ignorance’ ), in its broadest sense, is a rhetorical device, literary technique, or event in which what on the surface appears to be the case or to be expected differs radically from what is actually the case.
When do you use the word ironic in a sentence?
Critics claim the words irony and ironic as they are used in cases lacking a striking reversal, such as “Isn’t it ironic that you called just as I was planning to call you?,” are more properly called coincidence.
Is the word irony synonymous with the word incongruous?
This sense, however, is not synonymous with “incongruous” but merely a definition of dramatic or situational irony. It is often included in definitions of irony not only that incongruity is present but also that the incongruity must reveal some aspect of human vanity or folly.
What is the difference between irony and situational irony?
In simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality. On the grounds of the above definition, we distinguish two basic types of irony: (1) verbal irony, and (2) situational irony. Verbal irony involves what one does not mean. For example, when in response to a foolish idea, we say, “What a great idea!” This is verbal irony.
