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I can think of two answers off the top of my head. The first and most common is coincidence. Many people will mistake coincidental events for an ironic situation. The key here is that by definition, a coincidence is made up of two or more unrelated events which put together seem to create some kind of pattern. An example would be two friends both being pulled over by the police on the same day. Irony however, is characterized by an event occurring because of another related event, which would generally be expected to yield the opposite result. An example of this would be for someone to be pulled over for speeding because he was busy turning on his radar scanner and didn't notice a cop sitting on a side street.
The second answer I can think of is what I'll call for lack of a better term incongruity. Heres a few scenarios that fit into this category, and which many people would call irony.
-A notorious rule-breaker and criminal being elected to oversee the discipline committee for an organization
-A soldier coming home after a grueling tour in a dangerous country and being killed in a car accident in the suburbs
-A writer gaining world renown for a book he personally hates and spent less than half the time and effort writing as he did on his other little known and non-critically acclaimed works
This kind of pseudo-irony is much harder to distinguish from true irony because it does contain some of the characteristics of irony. There is an unexpected result. A guide to figuring out whether or not something applies as true irony is to think of someone trying to do something, but by their actions actually getting the opposite result.
I hope this has been helpful. I'm not an english teacher or a linguist, just a construction worker, so I apologize for any errors i may have made. English teachers and linguists, feel free to revise if necessary
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Sarcasm is often mistaken for irony. While both involve saying one thing and meaning another, irony is a broader concept that includes situations where the outcome is different than expected. Sarcasm, on the other hand, usually involves mocking or using irony to convey contempt.
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what are the two characteristis are often mistaken for overall athleic ability
How do you come up with jokes - is there a formula?
Three of the biggest sources for humor are irony, human foibles, and flawed or mistaken reasoning.
What were the sea cow often mistaken for?
Mermaids
What plant is mistaken often for seaweed?
Kelp
What are you if you are a member of the carbon family often mistaken for the end of your pencil?
lead.Lead is a member of the carbon family often mistaken for the end of your pencil (actually graphite).
Between what happens and what's expected is situational irony at work?
irony
What is a corn snake often mistaken for?
King Snake.
Anxiety attacks are often mistaken by what?
Heart attacks.
Is implantation bleeding often mistaken for a period?
Yes it can be.
What does irony mean in literature?
Irony in literature occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. This can create a humorous or thought-provoking effect for the reader, and often serves to highlight contradictions or inconsistencies in human nature or in society. Irony can take many forms, such as verbal irony, situational irony, or dramatic irony.
What type of irony is also known as sarcasm?
Verbal irony is also known as sarcasm. This form of irony occurs when someone says something but means the opposite, usually to mock or ridicule.
What is ironic about Vincentio's arrival at Lucentio's house?
The irony in Vincentio's arrival at Lucentio's house is that he is mistaken for a merchant and treated poorly by his own son, Lucentio, who does not recognize him. This misunderstanding highlights the theme of mistaken identity and the comedic misunderstandings that occur in the play.
