Definify.com

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