Which phrase describes verbal irony?
Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.
Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.
1. Understand the question: The question asks to identify the definition of verbal irony from the given options.
2. Define verbal irony: Verbal irony is a figure of speech in which a speaker says something contrary to what they mean. It is a contrast between what is said and what is actually meant.
3. Analyze the options:
* "irony that is misunderstood": While verbal irony can be misunderstood, this is not its primary definition.
* "irony that is expressed through speech": This aligns with the definition of verbal irony, as it is conveyed through spoken words.
* "irony that is expressed unintentionally": Verbal irony is typically intentional. Unintentional irony might be a misunderstanding or a situational irony.
* "irony expressed through facial expressions": Irony expressed through facial expressions is a form of non-verbal communication and is not verbal irony.
4. Select the best fit: Based on the definition, the phrase that best describes verbal irony is that it is expressed through speech.