ironically

IPA/aɪˈrɒnɪkli/
KK[aɪrˈɑnɪkli]IPA/aɪˈrɑːnɪkli/

ironically — 副詞

1. used when a situation produces the opposite result from what people expected, of

1.副詞B2
釋義

諷刺地

形容結果與預期相反

used when a situation produces the opposite result from what people expected, often creating a strange or amusing effect

例句

Ironically, Mayumi avoided dairy for years, then got a job on a cheese farm.

諷刺的是，Mayumi 多年來都不碰乳製品，最後卻在起司農場找到了工作。

sentence adverb: modifies whole following clause

The security system, ironically, was what let the thief into the building.

諷刺的是，這套保全系統反而讓小偷進入了大樓。

mid-position: placed between commas

常見搭配
  • ironically + [unexpected outcome]
  • ironically, [clause of contrast]
同義詞
  • paradoxically

    implies a logical contradiction, stronger than ironically

  • oddly enough

    more conversational and less formal

  • strangely

    focuses on the surprising quality without the sense of contradiction

反義詞

文法句型

Ironically, + [clause]

[Clause] , ironically, ...

用法筆記

Commonly used as a sentence adverb at the start of a clause, affecting the whole statement rather than a single verb. The contrast must be between what was expected and what actually happened; mere coincidence is not enough.

常見錯誤

Ironically, I also had cereal for breakfast.
Coincidentally, I also had cereal for breakfast.
'ironically' requires a contrast with expectation, not just a shared detail.
Ironically, the sun came out after it stopped raining.
As expected, the sun came out after the rain cleared.
rain stopping and sun appearing is normal, not ironic.

2. using words to express a meaning contrary to their literal sense, typically for

2.副詞B2
釋義

反諷地

說反話來表達相反的意義

using words to express a meaning contrary to their literal sense, typically for humorous or gently critical effect

例句

"What a beautiful day," Mert said ironically as the storm poured rain onto the street.

「今天天氣真好，」Mert 看著暴風雨把雨水傾倒在街上，反諷地說。

speech verb + ironically: said ironically + quoted statement

Camila smiled ironically when her boss praised her punctuality after keeping her waiting.

主管在讓 Camila 等了許久之後稱讚她「準時」，她只能反諷地笑了笑。

verb of expression + ironically: smiled ironically

常見搭配
  • said ironically
  • remarked ironically
  • smiled ironically
  • noted ironically
同義詞
  • sarcastically

    more cutting and intended to mock or hurt

  • wryly

    amused and mildly bitter, gentler than sarcastically

  • tongue in cheek

    informal phrase meaning not meant seriously

反義詞

文法句型

[speech verb] + ironically

say/remark/note + ironically

用法筆記

Often pairs with speech or expression verbs (said, remarked, noted, smiled). The ironic meaning is usually signalled by context — the words do not match the situation. Unlike sense 1, this sense describes the manner of speaking rather than a whole situation.

常見錯誤

He ironically said he was happy.
He said he was happy, but his tone suggested the opposite.
placing 'ironically' before 'said' can be confusing; readers may think the adverb modifies the whole statement rather than the manner of speaking.

❌ Using 'ironically' as a synonym for 'sarcastically' in all contexts. 'Sarcastically' is more intended to hurt or mock; 'ironically' is gentler and often humorous.

同根字

常見搭配

副詞搭配

  • quite ironically
  • rather ironically
  • somewhat ironically

常用片語

  • ironically enough