adjective
ironic
eye-RAH-nik/aɪˈrɑːnɪk/
Showing a meaningful opposition between appearance and actuality.
It is ironic that the fire engine itself is on fire.
Etymology
The Greek adjective described pretending ignorance, a contrast between appearance and reality. Through irony’s sense of saying the opposite of what is meant, ironic extended to circumstances that contradict expectations.
In context
I find it ironic when you say we forget what happened and we need to stick with the facts while at the same time you rely on selective memory and you distort the facts.
More examples
- Her ironic "Perfect timing" greets us as we arrive late.
- It is ironic that the sleep expert struggles with insomnia.
- The anti-noise rally takes an ironic turn when protesters start shouting.
Forms
ironic
irony noun — Contrast between appearances or expectations and reality.
Similar words
- sarcastic
- Uses cutting words to mock, often through opposite meanings.
- paradoxical
- Describes an apparent contradiction, not necessarily an unexpected reversal.