* It's a figure of speech where the speaker says something but means the opposite. This creates a contrast between what is said and what is meant.
* The intended meaning is often the opposite of the literal meaning. For example, if someone says "Nice weather," when it's pouring rain, they are being ironic.
* It relies on context to be understood. The listener needs to understand the situation and the speaker's tone to recognize the irony.
* It can be used for humor, sarcasm, or to express disapproval. It can be a playful way to comment on something or a sharper way to criticize.
* It's a common part of everyday language. We use verbal irony all the time, often without even realizing it.
Here are some examples:
* "Oh, great! Just what I wanted - another rainy day." (This is ironic because the speaker likely doesn't want a rainy day.)
* "That's a brilliant idea, Einstein." (This is ironic if the idea is actually bad.)
* "I'm so happy to be stuck in traffic." (This is ironic because being stuck in traffic is usually unpleasant.)
Let me know if you have any other questions about verbal irony!