Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Irony occurs when there's a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually happens. It can be humorous, dramatic, or tragic depending on the context.
Related terms
Situational Irony: Situational irony happens when there's a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs.
Verbal Irony: Verbal irony occurs when someone says something but means the opposite for humorous or sarcastic effect.
Satire: Satire uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize human vices or shortcomings with the intention of bringing about change.