ironically

Everyday

1. In a way that is the opposite of what you would expect, which makes it strange or funny. tree →
2. Saying something but meaning the opposite, as a joke. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and everyday talk it starts sentences: «Ironically, the robbers were caught by a police officer on holiday.» In English lessons it shows irony. In speech: «He said "well done" ironically.»

Examples

• Ironically, the fire alarm caught fire. tree →
• Ironically, the spelling champion misspelt his own name. tree →
• She clapped ironically when he dropped the ball. tree →
• Ironically, the dog was scared of the cat. tree →
• «Brilliant,» he said ironically, looking at the mess. tree →
• Ironically, the shortcut took longer. tree →

Note

From ironic + -ally. Often at the start of a sentence with a comma. Do not use it just to mean «sadly» or «by chance».