irony

i•ro•ny

[[t]ˈaɪ rə ni, ˈaɪ ər-[/t]] n. pl. -nies

1) cvb the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

2) rht

Socratic irony

3) lit.

dramatic irony

4) an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected

5) the incongruity of this

6) an objectively sardonic style of speech or writing

7) an objectively or humorously sardonic utterance, disposition, quality, etc

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Etymology: 1495–1505; < Līrōnīa< Gkeirōneíafeigned ignorance, false modesty, der. ofeírōnone who hides his or her true knowledge or capabilities syn: irony, satire, sarcasm indicate mockery of a person or thing. irony is exhibited in the organization or structure of either language or literary material. It indirectly presents a contradiction between an action or expression and the context in which it occurs. One thing is said and its opposite implied, as in “Beautiful weather, isn't it?” said when it is raining. Ironic literature exploits the contrast between an ideal and an actual condition, as when events turn out contrary to expectations. satire, also a literary and rhetorical form, is the use of ridicule in exposing human vice and folly. Jonathan Swift wrote social and political satires. sarcasm is a harsh and cutting type of humor. Its distinctive quality is present in the spoken word; it is manifested chiefly by vocal inflection. Sarcastic language may have the form of irony, as in “What a fine musician you turned out to be!”, or it may be a direct statement, as in “You couldn't play one piece correctly if you had two assistants!”