How Do You Spell IRONICAL?

Pronunciation: [a͡ɪɹˈɒnɪkə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ironical" is often a source of confusion for many English speakers. The correct spelling of this word is actually "ironic" with the phonetic transcription /aɪˈrɒnɪk/. The pronunciation of the word does not include an additional syllable or "-al" ending, as is commonly thought. This mistake may have originated from the word "irony", which does have the "-y" ending. However, it is important to use the correct spelling to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication.

IRONICAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Ironical is an adjective that describes something as having or characterized by irony. Irony refers to the expression of meaning through the use of language or actions that convey the opposite of what is expected or intended. It is a sarcastic or satirical form of communication that often involves a discrepancy between appearance and reality, or between what is said and what is meant.

    When something is described as ironical, it means that it possesses irony or exhibits qualities that are contrary to what might be anticipated or perceived at first glance. It often involves a humorous or sardonic twist that highlights the absurdity or contradiction in a situation or statement. Ironical expressions may be used to emphasize the gap between what is supposed to happen and what actually occurs, creating a sense of amusement or surprise.

    The term "ironical" can be applied to various forms of language, including verbal irony, situational irony, or dramatic irony. Verbal irony involves the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite to their literal interpretation. Situational irony occurs when the outcome of a situation contradicts expectations. Dramatic irony is when the audience or readers of a work of fiction understand something that the characters themselves do not.

    Overall, "ironical" refers to anything that is characterized by irony, often involving humor, sarcasm, or unexpected twists that challenge conventional expectations.

  2. Exposing and ridiculing the faults and errors of others by seeming to approve or defend them.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for IRONICAL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for IRONICAL

Etymology of IRONICAL

The word "ironical" has its etymology rooted in the Greek word "eirōneia", meaning "dissimulation or feigned ignorance". It later entered the Latin language as "ironia", which retained the same meaning. In Old French, it became "ironie", indicating sarcasm or a dry, mocking humor. English adopted the term during the early 16th century, utilizing the spelling "ironical" to describe situations or statements characterized by irony or a contrasting meaning.

Idioms with the word IRONICAL

  • ironical The definition of the idiom "ironical" is something that is characterized by or constituting irony, which is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.

Similar spelling words for IRONICAL

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