Everyday · Often misused · Humour & insults
Ironic: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Ironic adjective. Turning out the opposite of what was expected, often with a grimly funny twist.
How to say it
eye-RON-ik/ʌɪˈrɒnɪk/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (RON). Forms: ironically.
Meanings
- Turning out the opposite of what was expected, often with a grimly funny twist.
- Saying the opposite of what you mean, for effect.
Ironic in a sentence
In an ironic twist, the fire station burned down.
Her 'lovely weather' was ironic: it was hailing sideways.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
Careful
Irony needs a twist against expectation. A merely unlucky coincidence, like rain on your wedding day, isn't ironic unless, say, you're a weather forecaster who promised sunshine.
Where ironic comes from
From Greek eirōneia, pretended ignorance.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Her 'lovely weather' was _____: it was hailing sideways.
- ironic
- reticent
- penultimate
Show the answer
ironic: Her 'lovely weather' was ironic: it was hailing sideways.