Category: Irony

There is a bit of an ongoing debate on the specific definition of “sarcasm,” and what the differences are between “sarcasm” and “verbal irony.” Most would agree that all sarcasm is based on verbal irony, but not all verbal irony is considered sarcasm. There are additional qualities that separate sarcasm from verbal irony, and some… Continue reading What Is Sarcasm? Definition and Examples

Irony is a literary technique & rhetoric device that has been used for many years in speech, art and everyday life. Although irony has been used for a long time, there hasn’t been an exact definition of irony. There have been hundreds of definitions suggested over the years, however, a general consensus is that: Irony Definition Irony is… Continue reading The 3 Types of Irony

Verbal Irony Definition Verbal irony occurs when speakers say the opposite of what they mean. For example: a man may say loudly to a manifestly unattractive woman, “You are more than beautiful!” This guy is obviously a jerk. An ironic jerk. Verbal ironies are mainly the intentional products of speakers. The speakers say what is… Continue reading Verbal Irony

Situational Irony Definition Situational irony occurs when the final outcome is contradictory to what was expected. Usually, the episodes in the plot of a story will lead the audience to expect a particular resolution or ending. If such an expected outcome fails and instead another contrary outcome occurs, the absurdity is termed situational irony. Such… Continue reading Situational Irony

Dramatic Irony Definition A plot device to create situations where the reader knows much more about the episodes and the resolutions before the chief character or characters.  Dramatic irony is a stylistic device that is most commonly used by storytellers, in plays, in the theater, and in movies. For example, the reader may be already aware… Continue reading Dramatic Irony

Irony is a literary device that injects intrigue and complexity into narratives, and among its intriguing manifestations lies cosmic irony. Often referred to as the irony of the Fates, cosmic irony suggests the existence of a superior force, a cosmic meddler, that intentionally orchestrates ironic situations in the lives of humans. By exploring the depths… Continue reading Cosmic Irony: Unraveling the Threads of Destiny

Poetic irony, or poetic justice, is a literary device which creates the image of an ideal form justice. It often occurs at the end of the novel or a play where the characters end with what is rather expected of them from the eyes of the reader. It is generally revealed or brought about by… Continue reading Poetic Irony aka Poetic Justice

In a general sense, irony is a rhetorical device that is characterized by incongruity in the real situation and what is expected. The deliberate use of irony, especially in literary works and speeches, is used to emphasize a point. It is a language that in some of its forms understates facts, denies the contrary of… Continue reading Irony Examples

Contrary to popular belief, “ironical” is indeed a real word. Ironically, it has the exact same meaning and use as the word “ironic.” And yes, I know that probably isn’t the best use of the word “ironically.” Ironically, I don’t care. Don’t believe me? Maybe Merriam-Webster will do a better job of convincing you. Here is… Continue reading Ironical Is A Word