tragedy
UK: ˈtrædʒədi | US: ˈtrædʒədi
n. a serious drama or literary work depicting the downfall of a protagonist, often evoking pity or terror
n. a disastrous or sorrowful event; calamity
n. (informal) a situation perceived as excessively sad or ironic
tragedy = trag<goat> + edy<ode/song>
- trag (from Greek tragos "goat")
Refers to the animal, possibly linked to early rituals involving goat sacrifices or performers wearing goat skins. - edy (from Greek ōidē "song/ode")
Denotes a lyrical or musical composition, later evolving to mean a dramatic narrative.
Etymology Origin:
The word "tragedy" originates from Greek tragōidia ("goat song"), combining tragos (goat) and ōidē (song). Its exact connection to goats remains debated—some theories suggest early dramatic performances involved goat sacrifices, while others propose actors wore goat skins as costumes. Over time, the term shifted from ritualistic performances to structured dramas depicting human suffering, eventually broadening to describe real-life catastrophes.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a classic example of a tragedy.
The earthquake was a national tragedy, claiming thousands of lives.
It’s a tragedy that such talent went unrecognized in his lifetime.
The play’s tragic ending left the audience in tears.
Losing the championship by one point felt like a personal tragedy.