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irony

noun [U] (TYPE OF SPEECH)
 
 
/ˈaɪ.rə.ni/

Definition

C2 the use of words that are the opposite of what you mean, as a way of being funny: Her voice heavy with irony, Simone said, "We're so pleased you were able to stay so long." (= Her voice made it obvious they were not pleased.) → Compare sarcasmFigurative use of language
(Definition of irony noun (TYPE OF SPEECH) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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