Pronunciation: /raɪ/

Definitions of wry

adjective using or expressing dry, especially mocking humor

Example Sentences

A1 She gave him a wry smile as she handed him the burnt toast.

A2 He made a wry comment about the rainy weather, trying to lighten the mood.

B1 The comedian's wry sense of humor often had the audience laughing at unexpected moments.

B2 Her wry observations about human nature were both insightful and humorous.

C1 The author's wry wit and clever wordplay made his novels a joy to read.

C2 His wry commentary on society's flaws was both cutting and thought-provoking.

adverb in a way that expresses dry, especially mocking humor

Example Sentences

A1 She smiled wryly when she realized she had forgotten her keys.

A2 He made a wry comment about the weather as they walked to the bus stop.

B1 The comedian delivered his jokes with a wry sense of humor that had the audience laughing.

B2 The detective gave a wry smile as he uncovered the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.

C1 Her wry observations about human behavior made her a popular author.

C2 The politician's wry wit and sharp tongue were well-known in the political arena.

Examples of wry in a Sentence

formal His wry sense of humor often left his colleagues amused but slightly puzzled.

informal She gave him a wry smile before walking away.

slang The comedian's wry jokes had the audience in stitches.

figurative The wry twist at the end of the story caught everyone off guard.

Grammatical Forms of wry

past tense

wried

plural

wries

comparative

wryer

superlative

wryest

present tense

wry

future tense

will wry

perfect tense

have wried

continuous tense

is wrying

singular

wry

positive degree

wry

infinitive

to wry

gerund

wrying

participle

wrying

Origin and Evolution of wry

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'wry' originated from the Old English word 'wrigian' meaning to bend or turn. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word 'wrig-' which had similar meanings.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'wry' shifted in meaning from physical bending or twisting to a more figurative sense of expressing dry humor or irony.