ironically

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ironically

She smiled ironically as she praised his terrible cooking.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • In an ironic manner: Used to describe when something is said or done with a tone or style that conveys the opposite of the literal meaning, often to express humor, sarcasm, or criticism.
    • Contrary to plan or expectation: Used to highlight a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what was intended or what would seem appropriate.
Usage Examples
  • In an ironic manner:

    • "Oh, wonderful," she said ironically when she saw the messy room.
    • He smiled ironically, knowing his compliment would not be believed.
  • Contrary to plan or expectation:

    • Ironically, the fire station burned down.
    • He worked hard to avoid his father's career, but ironically, he ended up in the same job.
Advanced Usage
  • Used to introduce a paradoxical outcome: Often appears at the beginning of a sentence to frame a surprising or contradictory result.
    • Ironically, the safety feature caused the accident.
  • Used to comment on a situation's inherent contradiction: Can be placed within a sentence to emphasize the irony.
    • The help, ironically, came from the person he trusted the least.
Variants and Related Words
  • Ironic (adjective): Characterized by or constituting irony.
    • It was ironic that the champion of free speech was silenced.
  • Irony (noun): A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects.
    • The irony of the situation was not lost on anyone.
Synonyms
  • Sarcastically: In a sarcastic manner (specifically for verbal irony with intent to mock).
  • Paradoxically: In a seemingly self-contradictory way.
  • Unexpectedly: In a way that is not expected.
Related Phrases
  • With irony: Expressing or characterized by irony.
    • He noted with irony that his vacation was rained out.
  • The irony is: A phrase used to point out an ironic situation.
    • The irony is that he became what he despised.
ironically

She smiled ironically as she praised his terrible cooking.

Adverb
  1. in an ironic manner
    • she began to mimic him ironically
  2. contrary to plan or expectation
    • ironically, he ended up losing money under his own plan