Irony refers to a situation where the opposite of what is expected occurs, or when there is a discrepancy between what is said and what is actually meant. There are a few different types of irony, including verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.
Verbal irony is when a person says something but means the opposite. For example, if it's raining heavily outside and somebody says "what a beautiful day," that would be an example of verbal irony.
Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected. For example, if a fire station burns down, that would be an example of situational irony.
Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not, and this often creates tension or suspense in the narrative.
Irony is a common literary device used in literature, film, and television. It can serve to add complexity and depth to a story, and can also be used for comedic effect.