ironically

American  

[ahy-ron-ik-lee] / aɪˈrɒn ɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that uses words to mean the opposite of what they normally mean, or makes an obvious exaggeration or understatement, as a joke or in order to make a point.

   French author Voltaire ironically commented on war, “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

2. in a way that is the opposite of what would be expected, often as a remarkable coincidence.

   Ironically, one of the main messages of this text on warfare is how to avoid battle through meticulous preparation and planning.

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Other Word Forms

• nonironically adverb
• semi-ironically adverb
• unironically adverb

Etymology

Origin of ironically

First recorded in 1530–40; ironical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

It is rare for a single Hollywood studio to have the two clear Oscar frontrunners, and it ironically comes in what could be Warner Bros' swansong year as an independent distributor.

From Barron's

And ironically it could be the legs of Bo Nix that do more damage, as Buffalo gave up the most yards per carry to opposing quarterbacks this season.

From BBC

If policymakers interpret market stability as an endorsement of diminished independence, ironically markets could then break down.

From MarketWatch

"For the first time in a while we have a real winter in Ukraine," says Yulia somewhat ironically.

From BBC

One even jumped on to the stage, demanding the management give up their generous bonuses, ironically waving a string of Swiss bratwursts under their noses "in case you go hungry".

From BBC

Related Words

• amusingly
• jokingly