2 meanings, 5 uses
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1 —2 uses as in:
situational irony
Definition
when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together — especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence
- It was ironic that the shot which finally got him in trouble was as big an accident as the shot that had made his fame.Chapters 5-6 (91% in)
ironic = an entertaining coincidence when what happens is not what might be expected
- She had always loved to tease and considered it an irony of her life that she was often drawn to men who didn't recognize teasing even when she was inflicting it on them.Chapters 87-88 (13% in)
There are no more uses of "irony" flagged with this meaning in Lonesome Dove.
Typical Usage
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2 —1 use as in:
verbal irony
Definition
saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else — usually as humor or sarcasm
- "Feather beds ain't his style."
He had meant it as blatant irony, since of course feather beds were exactly Jake's style, but the discussion was so solemn that his flourish went unnoticed.Chapters 21-22 (75% in)
irony = saying one thing while meaning the opposite — as humor
There are no more uses of "irony" flagged with this meaning in Lonesome Dove.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —2 uses
exact meaning not specified
- Probably, too, Pea Eye had no Maggie—which was only another irony of his leadership.Chapters 46-47 (53% in)
- It was a depressing irony, for Gus had always been one to preach diplomacy with the red man and over the years had engaged in many councils that Call himself thought pointless.Chapters 99-100 (49% in)
There are no more uses of "irony" in Lonesome Dove.
Typical Usage
(best examples)