ironically
Translation
ironically
Examples
Ironically, the fire station burnt down.
Ironically, the fire station burned down.
He smiled ironically at her comment.
He smiled ironically at her comment.
Grammar Patterns
((sentence)) modifies a whole sentence Ironically, he missed the train.
((verb)) modifies a verb He spoke ironically.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sarcastically, satirically, paradoxically
Etymology
From 'ironic' + the adverb-forming suffix '-ally'. 'Ironic' comes from the Greek 'eirōnikos', meaning 'dissembling, feigning ignorance'.
Memory Tips
Connect it to 'irony,' which is when the outcome is contrary to what was expected. The '-ally' suffix just turns it into an adverb.