Which type of irony occurs when the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning?

Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says one thing but means another, typically the opposite of what is literally stated. This type of irony relies heavily on context and tone, allowing the speaker to convey a meaning that contrasts sharply with the words used. For instance, if someone looks out at a rainy day and says, "What a beautiful day," they are not being literal but are instead using their words to express a sentiment that is in direct opposition to the reality of the weather.

This distinguishes verbal irony from other forms of irony. Situational irony involves a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs, while dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension or humor. Cosmic irony refers to the perception that fate or a higher power is manipulating events to create unfortunate outcomes for individuals. Each of these forms captures different nuances of irony, but verbal irony specifically centers on the contrast between literal words and intended meaning.