What is Verbal Irony?

What literacy device is an author using when he or she uses the words to communicate the opposite of their literal meaning?

Answer: Verbal Irony

Explanation

Verbal irony is a figure of speech where a speaker's intention is the opposite of what is said or when what is said is the opposite of what is happening. It is a type of literary device that involves using words to mean something different from what they appear on the surface.

Verbal irony is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday conversations to create humor, emphasize a point, or create a sense of drama. When an author or speaker uses verbal irony, they are intentionally saying one thing but implying another.

This literary device can be understood through examples such as someone saying, "What a cold weather we have today!" when the temperature is actually 43°C, indicating that the weather is hot, not cold. Another example is saying, "You were lightning fast covering 2 meters in 30 minutes," to imply that the person is actually very slow, not fast.

Verbal irony is effective in conveying sarcasm, satire, or humor in a text. It adds depth to the meaning of a statement and can engage readers by creating unexpected twists in the language used. Authors often use verbal irony to create memorable and thought-provoking moments in their writing.