Which statement defines irony?

• A. A contrast between expectation and reality.
• B. The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
• C. A direct comparison without using like or as.
• D. A common expression that doesn't make sense if taken literally.

Answer: (A)

Irony means realizing that reality doesn’t match what was expected, often with a twist that reveals an opposite outcome. This contrast between expectation and what actually happens is what makes irony recognizable, so that statement is the best definition. For example, a fire station burning down would be ironic because the place designed to fight fires ends up affected by one. The other descriptions refer to different devices: using symbols to stand for ideas is symbolism, a direct comparison without like or as is a metaphor, and a common expression that isn’t literal is an idiom.