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ironic

adjective/aɪˈrɑnɪk/

definition

using language that signifies the opposite of what is meant or an outcome that is contrary to expectations

example

It's ironic that the fire station burned down while responding to a fire next door.

synonyms
sarcasticparadoxicalincongruous
word origin — from the Greek 'eironeia', meaning 'dissimulation' or 'feigned ignorance'

ironic, extravagant, pellucid, homogeneous, infinitesimal: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 140. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. ironic · adjective/aɪˈrɑnɪk/

    using language that signifies the opposite of what is meant or an outcome that is contrary to expectations

    It's ironic that the fire station burned down while responding to a fire next door.

    Synonyms: sarcastic, paradoxical, incongruous

    Origin: from the Greek 'eironeia', meaning 'dissimulation' or 'feigned ignorance'

  2. extravagant · adjective/ɪkˈstrævəɡənt/

    lacking restraint in spending money or using resources

    The couple hosted an extravagant wedding reception that was the talk of the town for months.

    Synonyms: lavish, excessive, opulent

    Origin: from Latin 'extravagans', meaning 'wandering outside' or 'extravagant', which comes from 'extravagari', meaning 'to wander outside'.

  3. pellucid · adjective/pəˈluː.sɪd/

    translucently clear; easily understood

    The teacher's explanation was so pellucid that every student grasped the complex concept without confusion.

    Synonyms: clear, transparent, limpid

    Origin: from Latin 'pellucidus', from 'per-' (through) and 'lucere' (to shine)

  4. homogeneous · adjective/ˌhoʊməˈdʒinəs/

    of the same or similar kind or nature

    The committee was composed of a homogeneous group of experts, all sharing similar qualifications and experiences.

    Synonyms: uniform, identical, similar

    Origin: from Greek 'homogenēs' meaning 'of the same kind'

  5. infinitesimal · adjective/ˌɪnfəˈnɛsəməl/

    an indefinitely small quantity that is greater than zero but less than any positive real number

    The scientist measured the infinitesimal changes in temperature during the experiment, which were crucial for accurate results.

    Synonyms: tiny, minuscule, microscopic

    Origin: from Latin 'infinitesimus', meaning 'infinite', where 'infinis' denotes 'infinite' and 'esimus' indicates an ordinal number.