Final answer:
Verbal irony is a form of figurative language where the speaker says something opposite to what they mean, often to convey humor or criticism. It's widely used in literature, with authors like Jane Austen and John Milton utilizing it effectively to engage readers and highlight points.
Step-by-step explanation:
Verbal irony is a figure of speech and a form of figurative language where what is said is the opposite of what is meant. It is a type of irony used by authors to convey complexity or humor in a text. For instance, if someone looks out at a downpour and says, "What a beautiful sunny day," they are employing verbal irony because the statement is clearly opposite to the evident weather conditions. The speaker’s intended meaning contradicts their words, revealing a deeper layer of meaning for the audience to interpret.