Which term describes the use of words to convey a meaning opposite of their literal meaning?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes the use of words to convey a meaning opposite of their literal meaning?

Verbal irony is when the words you use express the opposite of their literal meaning, and the speaker and audience recognize the intended opposite. This is different from allusion, which is a indirect reference to a well-known person or work; connotation, which is the emotional or cultural shades a word carries beyond its dictionary definition; and pragmatic use, which concerns how language functions in real situations. So, when the sentence is meant to convey the opposite meaning through wording, verbal irony is the best fit. For example, saying “What a great idea” when you actually mean it’s a poor idea signals the opposite of the literal words.

Verbal irony is when the words you use express the opposite of their literal meaning, and the speaker and audience recognize the intended opposite. This is different from allusion, which is a indirect reference to a well-known person or work; connotation, which is the emotional or cultural shades a word carries beyond its dictionary definition; and pragmatic use, which concerns how language functions in real situations. So, when the sentence is meant to convey the opposite meaning through wording, verbal irony is the best fit. For example, saying “What a great idea” when you actually mean it’s a poor idea signals the opposite of the literal words.

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