Which sentence demonstrates irony: Saying 'What lovely weather!' during a hurricane demonstrates?

• A. Hyperbole
• B. Irony
• C. Oxymoron
• D. Satire

Answer: (B)

Irony shows up when what is said contrasts with reality. Saying “What lovely weather!” during a hurricane is verbal irony because the surface statement praises the weather, while the actual situation is dangerous and chaotic. The listener recognizes the opposite meaning is intended, so the remark highlights the mismatch between appearance and reality.

Hyperbole would be an extreme exaggeration, which isn’t what this line does. An oxymoron combines contradictory terms in one phrase, like “deafening silence,” which isn’t present here. Satire aims to critique a broader issue through humor, not just a single ironic remark. So this instance best fits verbal irony.