ironically
gb/aɪɹˈɑnɪkli/ us/aɪɹˈɑnɪkli/
B2
English
~ 6700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
relation
1
in a way opposite to expectations
Used when something is strange or funny because it is the opposite of what you would expect, or the opposite of what someone said or wanted.
Usage pattern:
Ironically, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners often use "ironically" when they only mean "by chance" or "coincidentally". For example, saying *"Ironically, I met my friend at the store"* is usually not correct if there is no clear opposite or surprising contrast involved; *"Coincidentally"* or *"by chance"* would be better. Also, some learners confuse "ironic" (adjective) with "ironically" (adverb): *"That is ironically"* is incorrect; say *"That is ironic"* or *"Ironically, that happened."*
Synonyms
paradoxically (More formal; focuses on the logical contradiction rather than the humorous or emotional feel of irony.)
|
oddly enough (Informal; highlights that something is surprising, without strongly implying a sharp or witty contrast.)
Antonyms
predictably (Emphasizes that something happened exactly as expected, with no ironic contrast.)
|
fittingly (Suggests that an outcome is suitable or appropriate, instead of being strangely the opposite of what one would expect.)
Collocations
ironically, the same
|ironically, this meant
|ironically, however
|ironically, though
|ironically for [someone]
|ironically, it turned out
Themes
thinking
|communication
|humor
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Ironically, the fire station burned down just months after failing a safety inspection.
- The company, ironically, went bankrupt soon after winning an award for financial stability.
- Ironically, he became famous for a movie he almost refused to make.
- Ironically, the only person who could fix the problem was the one who had caused it in the first place.
- Ironically, their campaign to save paper led to even more printing and waste.
Learner examples
- Ironically, the lifeguard could not swim very well.
- Ironically, she was late to a meeting about being on time.
- Ironically, he got sick the day after he started a health plan.
- Ironically, the teacher forgot to do his homework for the class.
- Ironically, they got lost on their way to a map store.
adverb
C1
property
2
in an ironic or sarcastic way
When someone speaks in a way where the words are the opposite of what they really mean, often to be funny or to criticize.
Usage pattern:
[someone] says [something] ironically
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse the tone meaning of "ironically" with simply being funny. Ironical or sarcastic speech normally says the opposite of what is true. If the speaker is only joking but not saying the opposite, "jokingly" or "playfully" may be better than "ironically". Also, avoid *"He was ironically"*; you must modify a verb: *"He spoke ironically"* or *"He answered ironically."*
Synonyms
sarcastically (Often stronger and more biting; usually suggests a harsher, more mocking tone than "ironically".)
|
wryly (Focuses more on a dry, slightly amused attitude rather than clearly saying the opposite of the literal meaning.)
Antonyms
sincerely (Shows that someone is speaking honestly, with no hidden opposite meaning or mocking tone.)
|
straightforwardly (Emphasizes direct, clear speech without irony or double meaning.)
Collocations
said ironically
|replied ironically
|asked ironically
|remarked ironically
|smiled ironically
|laughed ironically
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- "Great job," he said ironically, staring at the broken window.
- She smiled ironically and asked if they enjoyed waiting in line for two hours.
- "What a perfect day for a picnic," he remarked ironically as the rain poured down.
- The actor delivered the line ironically, making the audience laugh at the obvious lie.
- He nodded ironically, pretending to agree while clearly meaning the opposite.
Learner examples
- "Nice work," she said ironically after he dropped the plates.
- He looked at the traffic and said ironically, "This road is so fast."
- She laughed ironically and said, "Of course I love doing extra homework."
- He answered ironically, so his words were the opposite of what he really thought.
- The student said ironically, "I just love exams."
Grammar
Dictionary form
ironically
IPA
GB/aɪɹˈɑnɪkli/
US/aɪɹˈɑnɪkli/
Syllables & stress
iron - ic - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ic)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ironically
- Plural: ironicallies
Word family
Expressions
ironically enough
1/aɪɹˈɑnɪkli ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
Before stating an ironic fact
Used before a sentence to show that what you are going to say is ironic or surprisingly fitting.
Examples
- Ironically enough, the only person who believed him was the one he had lied to before.
- Ironically enough, she forgot to bring the notebook where she had written all her reminders.
ironically enough
2/aɪɹˈɑnɪkli ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
interestingly, in an unexpected way
Used before a fact to show that it is surprising or opposite to what people would expect, with a little extra emphasis.
Examples
- Ironically enough, the town that ignored climate warnings was the first to be hit by severe flooding.
- Ironically enough, he became a dentist even though he was always afraid of going to the dentist as a child.