-
> - Dictionary >
- L'ironie - meaning & definition
Translate Text 
Translate Files L'ironie (en. Irony)
/liʁɔni/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
A statement or situation where there is a contrast between expectations and reality.
He said he loved working, but he was often on sick leave, illustrating irony.
Il a dit qu'il adorait travailler, mais il était souvent en congé maladie, illustrant l'ironie.
The use of expressions to signify the opposite of what they say.
His remark about the rain was an example of irony, as he needed an umbrella.
Sa remarque sur la pluie était un exemple d'ironie, car il avait besoin d'un parapluie.
A literary or rhetorical device that suggests an opposite or different meaning.
Irony is a key element of satire and theatre.
L'ironie est un élément clé de la satire et du théâtre.
Etymology
From Greek 'eironeia', meaning dissimulation or feigning.
Common Phrases and Expressions
irony of fate
A situation in which the outcome is opposite to what was expected.
ironie du sort
bittersweet irony
Irony that mixes pleasure and sadness.
ironie aigre-douce
biting irony
Irony that criticizes or attacks sharply.
ironie mordante
Related Words
sarcasm
An ironic comment intended to mock someone.
sarcaste
antiphrasis
An expression that says the opposite of what one thinks for an ironic purpose.
antiphrase
satire
A literary genre that uses irony and exaggeration to criticize vices.
satire
Slang Meanings
Ironic use in everyday conversations.
When he said he loved getting up at 5 a.m., it was irony.
Quand il a dit qu'il adorait se lever à 5 heures du matin, c'était de l'ironie.
A colloquial expression for describing an ironic situation.
It was called an 'ironic twist' when she failed her exam despite having excellent grades in class.
On a appelé ça un 'coup de l'ironie' quand elle a raté son examen malgré avoir eu d'excellentes notes en cours.