Irony is a literary and rhetorical device where there is a discrepancy between expectation and reality, often resulting in a contrast between what is said and what is meant. There are several types of irony:
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Verbal Irony: This occurs when a speaker says one thing but means another, often the opposite. For example, saying "Great weather we're having!" during a storm is verbal irony.
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Situational Irony: This happens when there is an incongruity between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. For instance, a fire station burning down is situational irony.
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Dramatic Irony: This occurs in literature or film when the audience knows something that the characters do not. For example, in a horror movie, the audience might know that the killer is hiding in the closet while the character does not.
Irony often adds humor or poignancy to a situation, highlighting the complexities of life and language.