What is the literary device that uses words to convey a meaning opposite to their literal meaning?

The literary device that uses words to convey a meaning opposite to their literal meaning is irony. This device often highlights a discrepancy between expectation and reality, allowing for a deeper understanding of a situation or character by contrasting what is expected with what actually occurs. It can be verbal, situational, or dramatic, each serving to underscore the differences between appearances and reality.

For instance, if someone describes a disastrous event as "just perfect," the intended meaning is one of opposite sentiment, showcasing irony. This complexity can add richness to a narrative and provoke thought by challenging the audience's perceptions.

In the context of the other options, hyperbole refers to exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, metaphor is a figure of speech that makes an implicit comparison between two unrelated things, and simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as." While these devices are all important in language, they do not convey the opposite meaning inherent in irony.