irony

Definitions

1nounA situation or statement where the actual outcome or meaning is opposite to what was expected or intended.

It was ironic that the fire station burned down.

The irony of the situation was that the thief's car was stolen.

She noted the irony in his voice when he congratulated her.

Word Origin

Language

Greek

Original word

eirōneia

Originally meant

dissimulation, feigned ignorance

Background

The term 'irony' comes from the Greek word 'eirōneia', which means feigned ignorance or dissimulation. It was used in ancient Greek theater to describe a character who pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance of others.