What is a simple definition for irony?
What is a simple definition for irony?
1a : the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning. b : a usually humorous or sardonic literary style or form characterized by irony. c : an ironic expression or utterance.
What is literary irony?
In simplest terms, irony occurs in literature AND in life whenever a person says something or does something that departs from what they (or we) expect them to say or do. Just as there are countless ways of misunderstanding the world [sorry kids], there are many different kinds of irony.
What is an example of a irony?
Verbal irony occurs when a speaker’s intention is the opposite of what he or she is saying. For example, a character stepping out into a hurricane and saying, “What nice weather we’re having!” Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows a key piece of information that a character in a play, movie or novel does not.
What does irony mean what is an example of irony?
noun, plural i·ro·nies. the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning: the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.
Why is it called irony?
The term irony has its roots in the Greek comic character Eiron, a clever underdog who by his wit repeatedly triumphs over the boastful character Alazon. The Socratic irony of the Platonic dialogues derives from this comic origin.
What are the 4 types of irony?
What Are the Main Types of Irony?
- Dramatic irony. Also known as tragic irony, this is when a writer lets their reader know something that a character does not.
- Comic irony. This is when irony is used to comedic effect—such as in satire.
- Situational irony.
- Verbal irony.
What are 3 dramatic irony examples?
Dramatic Irony Examples
- Girl in a horror film hides in a closet where the killer just went (the audience knows the killer is there, but she does not).
- In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is only asleep-not dead-but Romeo does not, and he kills himself.
Which example is the best example of dramatic irony?
If you’re watching a movie about the Titanic and a character leaning on the balcony right before the ship hits the iceberg says, “It’s so beautiful I could just die,” that’s an example of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters don’t.
What is the best definition of tragic irony?
tragic irony in British English noun. the use of dramatic irony in a tragedy ( originally, in Greek tragedy), so that the audience is aware that a character’s words or actions will bring about a tragic or fatal result, while the character is not.
Which is the best dictionary definition of irony?
Definition of irony 1 a : the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning b : a usually humorous or sardonic literary style or form characterized by irony c : an ironic expression or utterance
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.
Which is the most common misuse of irony?
Situational irony, the type that is most commonly misused, involves a situation where the actions end up having an effect that is the opposite from what was intended or expected. Often situational irony is confused with coincidence, an obvious chain of events or something just being funny.
Which is the best definition of the word mimicry?
1. Relating to, characteristic of, or exhibiting mimicry. 2. a. Of or relating to an imitation; imitative. b. Using imitative means of representation: a mimetic dance. [Greek mīmētikos, from mīmēsis, mimicry; see mimesis .] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
