Words / B2

YR-uh-nee/ˈaɪrəni/

Irony is a contrast between expectation and reality, or saying the opposite of what you mean: dramatic irony; the irony is that… Sarcasm is a biting tone; satire is a genre. Explain the irony; do not just stamp the word. Literature papers. Mix-up: iron is the metal (already in the dictionary).

Meaning

A contrast between expectation and reality, or saying the opposite of what you mean.

Examples

• “Explain the irony in the final couplet; do not just label it sarcasm.”
• “Dramatic irony puts the audience ahead of the character, which is the drama sense.”

Good to know

the irony is that; dramatic / situational irony. Close (tone): sarcasm. Genre: satire. Trap: iron. Literature — analyse, do not just name.

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