Meaning & use
ironical
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Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Expressing something by saying the opposite of what is meant, usually to mock or make a dry point.
Grammar: Used before a noun or after be: an ironical smile, her tone was ironical.
Patterns
- an ironical remark
- be ironical about something
His ironical praise made it clear he thought the plan foolish.
She gave an ironical bow when the manager finally arrived.
The reviewer's ironical tone left some readers unsure whether he liked the film.
adjectivecomparable
Turning out in a way that is the reverse of what one would expect, often with a touch of humour or sadness.
Grammar: Same meaning as ironic here, but a more bookish alternative.
Patterns
- it is ironical that something
It was ironical that the fire station burned down on the night of the fireman's dinner.
How ironical that the shortcut took twice as long.
The ironical result was that his careful saving left him with less.
Word forms
| comparative | more ironical |
|---|---|
| superlative | most ironical |
Common combinations
- an ironical smile
- An ironical smile crossed his face as he read the memo.
- ironical remark
- Her ironical remark about the weather made the room laugh.
- ironical twist
- The story takes an ironical twist at the end.
- ironical tone
- He answered in an ironical tone that stung.
- strike someone as ironical
- It struck me as ironical that the quietest man gave the loudest speech.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ironic
- Ironic is the usual modern form and sounds more natural; ironical is slightly formal or dated.
- sarcastic
- Sarcastic is sharper and aims to hurt, while ironical can be gentle and dry.
- wry
- Wry suggests a mildly amused twist of expression, whereas ironical focuses on the contrast between words and meaning.
Opposites
Word family
- ironically adverb
- in a way that is ironic
- irony noun
- a contrast between what is said or expected and what happens
- ironic adjective
- relating to or showing irony
- ironist noun
- a person who uses irony in speech or writing
Commonly confused: ironical or ironic? ironical or iron?
ironical vs ironic
Ironic is the standard word today; ironical is an older variant that can sound stiff in modern conversation.
ironical vs iron
Iron is a metal, unrelated to irony despite the similar spelling.
Practice
Which choice is the more common modern equivalent of ironical in 'an ironical smile'?
Choose one answer.
Ironic is the usual adjective today; irony is a noun, ironically an adverb, and ironing relates to clothes.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ironical”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.