Wry Meaning in English
word
ˈɹaɪ
RYE
ɹˈaɪ
RYE
Definition
Describes humor that is dry, ironic, or mocking, or a facial expression that shows this kind of amusement, often with a twisted smile.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used with 'smile' or 'sense of humor' (e.g., 'wry smile'). More formal or literary than everyday speech. Implies cleverness and subtlety, different from openly funny or slapstick. Sometimes describes grim amusement at difficult situations.
Spanish: irónico - sarcástico - torcido (sonrisa)Portuguese (BR): irônico - sarcástico - torto (sorriso)Portuguese (PT): irónico - sarcástico - torto (sorriso)Chinese (Simplified): 讽刺的 - 挤兑的 - 歪斜的（微笑）Chinese (Traditional): 諷刺的 - 挪揄的 - 歪斜的（微笑）Hindi: विडंबनापूर्ण - व्यंग्यात्मक - टेढ़ी (मुस्कान)Arabic: ساخر - مائل (ابتسامة)Bengali: বক্র - ব্যঙ্গাত্মকRussian: ироничный - с оттенком насмешкиJapanese: 皮肉なVietnamese: mỉa mai - châm biếmKorean: 냉소적인 - 비꼬는Turkish: alaycı - ironikUrdu: طنزیہ - کھریIndonesian: sinis - ironis
Example Sentences
He gave a wry smile when he heard the bad news.
basic
Her wry humor made everyone laugh in a different way.
basic
His comment had a wry sense of irony.
basic
She just raised an eyebrow and gave me a wry look.
natural
It was a wry observation about life’s little problems.
natural
With a wry grin, he admitted he’d forgotten his keys again.
natural