Irony

Irony is a rhetorical device, literary technique, or event characterized by a contrast between expectations and reality. It can manifest as verbal irony, where words convey a meaning opposite to their literal interpretation; situational irony, where outcomes are contrary to what was expected; or dramatic irony, where the audience knows something that characters do not. irony often highlights human experiences and societal norms, provoking thought and sometimes humor by revealing the incongruity in situations.

Irony meaning with examples

• The irony of the situation became apparent when the renowned fire chief's house burned down due to an electrical fault. Everyone expected him to be the safest in the neighborhood, but it turned out his expertise was no safeguard against everyday hazards. Thus, it highlighted the unpredictability of life, regardless of profession.
• During a heated debate about the dangers of drunk driving, the speaker ironically received a call informing him that his brother had just been arrested for being intoxicated behind the wheel. The contrast between his passionate stance and his personal connection revealed the stark reality that laws don't always apply equally to everyone.
• In a twist of irony, the self-proclaimed environmentalist, who dedicated his life to fighting climate change, regularly drove a gas-guzzling SUV. While his intentions were noble, the contradiction between his lifestyle choices and his advocacy for the planet was both perplexing and reminiscent of the complexities in societal behavior surrounding activism.
• The rich businessman, who built his empire on selling luxury goods, ironically found himself working a menial job after losing everything in a bad investment. His fall from grace served as a lesson on the transient nature of wealth and the unpredictable turns life can take, turning expectations upside down.