Ironic

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /aɪˈɹɒn.ɪk/
• Rhymes: -É’nɪk

Alternative forms

• ironick obsolete, rare

Origin

From Middle French ironique, from Late Latin ironicus

Full definition of ironic

Adjective

1. Characterized by or constituting (any kind of) irony.
• 1996, Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, Ironic (song):It's meeting the man of my dreams
  and then meeting his beautiful wife,
  and isn't it ironic,
  don't you think?
2. Given to the use of irony; sarcastic.

Synonyms

• ironical

Usage notes

Some writers complain about an overuse of the word ironic to extend to situations which are remarkable for reasons other than irony - perhaps just coincidental or merely odd.

Derived terms

• ironically
• dramatic irony
• postironic
• Socratic irony