ironical
/ai'rɔnik/ Cách viết khác : (ironical) /ai'rɔnikəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Humorously sarcastic or mocking: Expressing a meaning opposite to the literal words, often in a dry, witty, or sardonic way.
- Characterized by poignant incongruity: Describing a situation where there is a striking and often sad or amusing difference between what was expected and what actually occurs.
Usage and Examples
- Describing speech or expression:
- She gave an ironical smile when he claimed to be an expert.
- His ironical tone made it clear he didn't believe a word of the promise.
- Describing a situation:
- It is ironical that the fire station burned down.
- The ironical outcome of his strict diet was a decline in his overall health.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Situational Irony vs. Verbal Irony: The adjective "ironical" can describe both.
- Verbal Irony: The use of words to express something opposite to their literal meaning, often for humorous or emphatic effect. His ironical praise was actually severe criticism.
- Situational Irony: An event that contradicts expectations in a poignant or telling way. The ironical twist of fate left everyone speechless.
Variants and Related Words
- Ironic (adj): The more common variant, often used interchangeably with "ironical," though some style guides prefer "ironic."
- Irony (n): The central concept—the expression of meaning using language or circumstances that normally signify the opposite.
- Ironist (n): A person who uses irony, especially a writer.
Synonyms
- Sarcastic: Marked by harsh, cutting, or contemptuous irony.
- Sardonic: Grimly mocking or cynical.
- Wry: Using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor.
- Incongruous: Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something.
Antonyms
- Sincere: Free from pretense or deceit.
- Literal: Taking words in their usual or most basic sense.
- Straightforward: Uncomplicated and direct.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- With ironical detachment: Observing or commenting on a situation with a sense of ironic amusement and emotional distance.
- He narrated the disaster with ironical detachment.
- An ironical twist: An unexpected and contradictory development in a situation.
- The story ended with an ironical twist.
Adjective
- humorously sarcastic or mocking
- dry humor
- an ironic remark often conveys an intended meaning obliquely
- an ironic novel
- an ironical smile
- with a wry Scottish wit
- characterized by often poignant difference or incongruity between what is expected and what actually is
- madness, an ironic fate for such a clear thinker
- it was ironical that the well-planned scheme failed so completely