verbal irony

Verbal irony is a literary device where the speaker's words convey a meaning opposite to their literal interpretation. This form of irony often arises from an awareness of the contrast between what is and what ought to be, expressing a controlled pathos without sentimentality. It's a way of saying something indirectly, avoiding direct praise or criticism. A common example is saying, "That was a smart thing to do!" to mean "That was very foolish". This differs from dramatic irony, which relies on the audience's knowledge of events unknown to the characters.12