An Irony

1. A statement that, when taken in context, may actually mean something different from, or the opposite of, what is written literally; the use of words expressing something other than their literal intention, often in a humorous context.^[1]
2. Dramatic irony: a theatrical effect in which the meaning of a situation, or some incongruity in the plot, is understood by the audience, but not by the characters in the play.
3. Ignorance feigned for the purpose of confounding or provoking an antagonist; Socratic irony.
4. The state of two usually unrelated entities, parties, actions, etc. being related through a common connection in an uncommon way.

Usage notes:Edit}:

• Some authorities omit the last sense, "contradiction of circumstances and expectations, condition contrary to what might be expected";^[3] however, it has been in common use since the 1600s.^[4]