the use of words to express a meaning other than the literal meaning, esp the opposite of it, usu for humorous effect
the use of words to express a meaning other than the literal meaning, and esp the opposite of it
an expression or utterance using irony
incongruity between actual circumstances and the normal, appropriate, or expected result
an event or situation showing such incongruity
incongruity between a situation developed in a play and the accompanying words or actions that is understood by the audience but not by the characters
= Socratic irony
an attitude of detached awareness of incongruity
She viewed with irony the craze for individuality
[Latin ironia from Greek eirōneia, from eirōn dissembler]