DictionaryRoot: eiron
Greek
eiron
dissembler
1 / 1
noun
irony
EYE-ruh-nee/ˈaɪrəni/
A pointed contrast between apparent expectation and actuality.
Etymology
The Greek base names people who conceal their real knowledge or intent. Through speech whose intended meaning opposes its literal meaning, irony extended to circumstances that seem to mock what was expected.