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Webster 1913 Edition

Ironical

I-ron′ic-al

,
Adj.
[LL.
ironicus
, Gr. [GREEK] dissembling: cf. F.
ironique
. See
Irony
.]
1.
Pertaining to irony; containing, expressing, or characterized by, irony;
as, an
ironical
remark
.
–
I-ron′ic-al-ly
,
adv.
–
I-ron′ic-al-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition

Ironical

IRON'ICAL

,
Adj.
Expressing one thing and meaning another. An ironical expression is often accompanied with a manner of utterance which indicates that the speaker intends to be understood in a sense directly contrary to that which the words convey.

Definition 2024

ironical

ironical

English

Alternative forms

Adjective

ironical ‎(comparative more ironical, superlative most ironical)

  1. Characterized by or constituting (any kind of) irony.
  2. Given to the use of irony; sarcastic.
    • 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Gods of Mars, chapter III, page 40.
      His tone was cold and ironical; its bitterness but reflecting the terrible disappointment he had suffered.
  3. (obsolete) Feigning ignorance; simulating lack of instruction or knowledge; exhibiting Socratic irony.

Derived terms

Translations

References

  1. ↑ “ironic” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary (2001).
  • ironical in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • ironical in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

Etymology

ironic +‎ -al. Attested since the 1570s.[1]

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