Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says something but means the opposite. This form of expression often relies on context and tone to convey the true meaning. For example, if someone looks out at a rainy day and says, "What a beautiful day!" they are using verbal irony to highlight the unpleasant weather. This technique is commonly used in literature, comedy, and everyday conversation. It can add humor or emphasize a point by contrasting the literal meaning with the intended message. Understanding verbal irony requires awareness of the situation and the speaker's intent, making it a nuanced form of communication.