Which term is an expression where meaning is opposite of literal?

• A. Irony
• B. Metonymy
• C. Allegory
• D. Psalm 23

Answer: (A)

Irony is when the words express one thing but the meaning is the opposite, especially in verbal irony where the intended message is opposite to the literal words. This contrast between surface meaning and what’s actually meant makes the expression humorous or perceptive. For example, saying “What a wonderful day” during a thunderstorm uses irony because the literal words praise the weather, while the intended meaning is the opposite.

Metonymy switches the name for something with a related concept (like “the White House” referring to the U.S. president or administration), not opposite meaning. Allegory uses a full story to convey a deeper, symbolic message beyond the literal events. Psalm 23 is a specific biblical poem, not a figure of speech about opposite meaning.