ironicially

Ironicially is a nonstandard and largely nonrecognized form that appears primarily as a misspelling or typographical variant of the adverb "ironically." It is not listed in major English dictionaries as a separate word, and it is generally considered incorrect for formal writing.

Etymology and relation to other forms

The word would appear to be formed from the adjective ironical (an older or less common variant of ironic) plus the common adverbial suffix -ly. The standard progression is ironical (or ironic) → ironically. Ironically is the form widely used to indicate something is in a way that is contrary to expectation or to irony. Ironical and ironic share the same core meaning, but ironical is rarer in modern usage.

Usage and style notes

In contemporary writing, ironically is not preferred. Ironically is the recommended adverb when describing actions or statements that are characteristic of irony. When editors or publishers encounter ironicially, they will typically correct it to ironically. The primary purpose of using an ironical or ironic tone is to highlight incongruity between appearance and reality or between expectation and outcome.

Examples

- Correct: She said she loved punctuality, and, ironically, she arrived an hour late.

- Nonstandard: She arrived ironicially late, according to some readers.

See also

Irony, ironic, ironically.

Summary

Ironicially is a nonstandard variant mainly encountered as a misspelling of ironically. For clear, formal writing, use ironically and avoid ironicially.

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