Tragedy

Definition

Tragedy is a form of drama based on human suffering that invokes an accompanying catharsis or pleasure in audiences, or an event causing great suffering, destruction, or distress.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtrædʒədi/
• Respelling: TRAJ-uh-dee (with "TRAJ" as in "badge," "uh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "dee" as in "dee")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtrædʒɪdi/
• Respelling: TRAJ-i-dee (similar to American English, with "TRAJ" as in "badge," "i" as in "bit," and "dee" like in "dee")

In both dialects, "tragedy" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TRAJ," which sounds like the beginning of "badge." In American English, the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound "uh," while in British English, it's a short 'i' sound as in "bit." The last syllable "dee" is consistent in both dialects.

Etymology

The term "tragedy" originates from the Ancient Greek word "tragōidia" which means "goat-song". Historically, it is believed that tragedies were originally songs sung at ancient Greek festivals, possibly involving the sacrifice of goats.

Derivatives

• Tragic
• Tragedian
• Tragically
• Tragicomic
• Tragicomedy

Synonyms

• Calamity
• Catastrophe
• Disaster

Antonyms

• Comedy
• Fortune
• Blessing

Usage

• "Tragedy" can refer to both a form of drama characterized by serious themes and a sad or disastrous event in real life.
• Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and "Othello" are classic examples of tragedy in literature.

Related Terms

• Drama
• Hero
• Catharsis
• Playwright
• Tragic hero

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Dramatic Work: A play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one concerning the downfall of the main character.
• Example: Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is a well-known tragedy that tells the tale of a man's ambitious rise to power and his subsequent fall.

• Distressing Event: An event causing great suffering, destruction, or distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.
• Example: The sinking of the Titanic was a major tragedy that resulted in the loss of numerous lives.

• Dramatic Genre: A type or genre of drama that is characterized by its tragic themes and its portrayal of the tragic flaw or downfall of its main characters.
• Example: Greek tragedies often revolved around the themes of fate, hubris, and the gods.