irony

• Substantif désignant une figure de rhétorique ou une situation où le sens implicite ou le résultat est opposé au sens littéral ou à l'attendu, souvent utilisé pour un effet humoristique ou expressif.

A noun referring to a rhetorical device or situation where the intended meaning or outcome is opposite to the literal meaning or expected result, often used for humorous or emphatic effect.

1. Contradictory outcomeB2formal

   A situation where the actual outcome is the opposite of what was expected or intended.

   Ironie de sort

   • The irony is that the fire station burned down.
   • It was a cruel irony that the safety inspector got injured on the job.
   • The irony of the situation was not lost on him.

   Synonymescontradictionincongruityparadoxreversaltwist

2. Verbal ironyB2formal

   A figure of speech where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used for humorous or emphatic effect.

   Ironie verbale

   • Saying 'What a beautiful day' during a storm is a classic example of irony.
   • Her comment was dripping with irony.
   • He used irony to criticize the policy without being direct.

   Synonymesmockeryridiculesarcasmsatire

3. Dramatic ironyC1formal

   A literary device where the audience knows something that the characters do not.

   Ironie dramatique

   • In the play, dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows the killer's identity but the detective does not.
   • The film uses dramatic irony to build suspense.
   • Shakespeare often employed dramatic irony in his tragedies.