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 …
Category Archives: Irony
The 3 Types of Irony
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 …
Verbal 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 …
Situational 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 …
Dramatic 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 …
Cosmic Irony
Cosmic irony definition: (also known as “Irony of Fate”) this is the idea that some God or gods (like the Fates), or superior being is intentionally creating ironic situations in the lives and minds of humans. Cosmic irony is a sub-type of Situational Irony, with the idea that some “being” is messing with humans, perhaps for …
Poetic Irony aka Poetic Justice
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 …
Irony Examples
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 …
Ironical Is A Word
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 …