Here's a breakdown:
* Irony: A literary device that creates a contrast between expectation and reality.
* Verbal irony: A specific type of irony where the speaker says one thing but means the opposite.
* Key element: The intent of the speaker is to convey a different meaning than what the words literally express.
Examples:
* "That's just great" (said sarcastically after something bad has happened).
* "Oh, fantastic. Another rainy day." (said when the speaker actually dislikes rain).
* "You're so smart" (said to someone who has just made a foolish mistake).
Important Note:
Verbal irony is not the same as sarcasm. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony, but not all verbal irony is sarcastic. Sarcasm often carries a more aggressive or biting tone, while verbal irony can be subtle and more playful.