Definition of Irony
Irony
i·ro·ny
Definition/Meaning
(noun)
the use of words to express something other than (or the opposite of) the literal meaning;
e.g. The irony of the situation was that the thing that hurt us the most was supposed to be the most helpful.
(noun)
(dramatic irony) the difference where words or actions are understood by the audience but not by the characters involved the the situation;
e.g. Romeo and Juliet is a Shakespearean example of irony because the audience is aware that the main characters are headed for their demise.
(noun)
(Socratic irony) pretending ignorance in order to make the other's false conceptions brought to light through leading questions;
e.g. When a child questions their parents about the tooth fairy and how they earn money, but the parents respond with a generalized answer, it's considered a form of socratic irony.
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