C2
ironic vs paradoxical vs sarcastic
The difference
| Word | Meaning | Goes with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ironicadjective/aɪˈrɑː.nɪk/ | Meaning strange or funny because it is the opposite of what you expected; also saying the opposite of what you mean | Goes with ironic twist | Example In an ironic twist, the health minister was caught smoking. |
| paradoxicaladjective/ˌper.əˈdɑːk.sɪ.kəl/ | Meaning seeming to contradict itself, yet possibly true | Goes with paradoxical effect | Example The paradoxical result surprised the researchers, who expected the opposite. |
| sarcasticadjective/sɑːrˈkæs.tɪk/ | Meaning saying the opposite of what you mean in order to criticize or joke unkindly | Goes with sarcastic comment | Example Sarcastic comments can be hard to understand in a second language. |
Which word fits?
1 of 8Pick the word for the gap. Its form may change in the sentence.
The drug had a effect on the patients.