ironical
|i-ron-i-cal|
🇺🇸
/aɪˈrɑːnɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/aɪˈrɒnɪkəl/
contrast between expectation and reality
Etymology
'ironical' originates from Late Latin 'ironicus', ultimately from Ancient Greek 'eirōnikos', where 'eirōneía' meant 'dissimulation' or 'feigned ignorance'.
'eirōnikos' (Greek) → 'ironicus' (Late Latin) → 'ironique' (French) → Middle English forms → modern English 'ironical'.
Initially it referred to a type of feigned ignorance or dissembling; over time it shifted to denote a contrast between expectation and reality or speech that implies the opposite of its literal meaning ('irony').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
characterized by or expressing irony; using words that mean the opposite of what is said, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
It was ironical that the critic who mocked the movie later wrote a praising column when it became popular.
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Adjective 2
strangely incongruous or coincidental in a way that seems to highlight a contrast between expectation and reality.
It's ironical that the fire station burned down during the inspection.
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Last updated: 2025/10/05 04:17