εἰρωνεία

English (LSJ)

ἡ,

   A dissimulation, i.e. ignorance purposely affected to provoke or confoun danantagonist, a mode of argument used by Socrates against the Sophists, Pl.R.337a, cf. Arist.EN1124b30, Cic.Acad. 2.5.15: generally, mock-modesty, opp. ἀλαζονεία, Arist.EN1108a22; sarcasm, Hermog.Id.2.8, al.; understatement, Phld.Lib.p.130.    II pretence, assumption, when a person at first appears willing, but then draws back, D.4.7; τὴν ἡμετέραν βραδυτῆτα καὶ εἰρωνείαν ib. 37.    III generally, dissembling, Ph.1.345 (pl.), al.    2 pretext, PSI5.452.23 (iv A.D.).