Key Takeaways
- Irony refers to the expression of meaning through the use of language which normally means the opposite, while hypocrisy is the behavior in which a person pretends to have higher standards than is the case.
- Irony stands for the opposite of the expected, whereas hypocrisy is the concealment of the reality through pretense.
- Irony may not be intentional and can be a twist of fate, while hypocrisy is intentional as the individual creates pretense.
Key Difference – Irony and Hypocrisy
Irony and hypocrisy are two distinct terms, although some people may confuse them. In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where irony and hypocrisy arise. Irony refers to expressing meaning through language that normally signifies the opposite, meaning that something unexpected happens as opposed to what we anticipated. On the other hand, hypocrisy involves a person pretending to have higher standards than they actually do. This article aims to provide a clearer understanding of these two terms and highlight their differences.
What is Irony?
As previously mentioned, irony involves expressing meaning through language that typically signifies the opposite. This can be understood as a situation where the exact opposite of what was expected occurs. For instance, during an exam, a student might advise another not to make a particular mistake, but then end up making that exact mistake themselves. In this case, the situation is ironic because the opposite of what was expected happens. Irony is often seen as a twist of fate and can be used as a literary device in various forms, such as dramatic irony, situational irony, tragic irony, verbal irony, and cosmic irony.
What is Hypocrisy?
Hypocrisy refers to a person pretending to have higher standards than they actually do. In this sense, it involves the individual putting on a pretense to display a behavior they do not truly possess. For example, consider a person who constantly preaches to others not to be judgmental and discriminatory, yet ends up acting in that way in real life. This demonstrates that the individual is merely putting on a façade. The difference between irony and hypocrisy lies in the fact that irony involves a twist of circumstances while hypocrisy is a pretense. Hypocrisy can relate to many aspects, including behavior, beliefs, attitudes, qualities, or opinions. Unlike irony, hypocrisy is generally viewed as negative, as hypocrites often distort reality for personal gain.
What is the Difference Between Irony and Hypocrisy?
Definitions of Irony and Hypocrisy:
Irony: Irony involves expressing meaning through language that typically signifies the opposite.
Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy refers to a person pretending to have higher standards than they actually do.
Characteristics of Irony and Hypocrisy:
Nature:
Irony: Irony represents the opposite of what is expected.
Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy involves concealing reality through pretense.
Intention:
Irony: Irony may not be intentional and can be a twist of fate.
Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy is intentional as the individual creates a pretense.
Literary Device:
Irony: Irony is a widely used literary device.
Hypocrisy: Hypocrisy is not used as a literary device.
