Which term means expression that conveys something other than its literal meaning?

Which term means expression that conveys something other than its literal meaning?

• A. Irony
• B. Allusion
• C. Paradox
• D. Hyperbole

Answer: (A)

Irony hinges on meaning that isn’t the literal one. It happens when what is said is the opposite of what is meant, often to be humorous, sarcastic, or critical. Verbal irony is the most common form, like calling a ruined plan “great” to show the opposite of what the words literally express. For example, describing a broken umbrella during a downpour as “a perfect day” uses irony—the surface words don’t match the intended message. The other terms refer to different concepts: an allusion is a reference to something else, a paradox is a self-contradictory statement that may reveal truth, and hyperbole is exaggerated language. So the expression that conveys something beyond its literal meaning is irony.

Irony hinges on meaning that isn’t the literal one. It happens when what is said is the opposite of what is meant, often to be humorous, sarcastic, or critical. Verbal irony is the most common form, like calling a ruined plan “great” to show the opposite of what the words literally express. For example, describing a broken umbrella during a downpour as “a perfect day” uses irony—the surface words don’t match the intended message. The other terms refer to different concepts: an allusion is a reference to something else, a paradox is a self-contradictory statement that may reveal truth, and hyperbole is exaggerated language. So the expression that conveys something beyond its literal meaning is irony.