Tragic

Definition

Tragic refers to causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow, often related to or resembling tragedy in drama.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtrædʒɪk/
• Respelling: TRAJ-ik (with "TRAJ" as in "badge" and "ik" as in "pick")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtrædʒɪk/
• Respelling: TRAJ-ik (similar to American English, with "TRAJ" as in "badge" and "ik" like in "pick")

In both dialects, "tragic" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TRAJ," which sounds like the beginning of "badge," followed by "ik," as in "pick." The pronunciation of "tragic" is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "tragicus," and from Ancient Greek "tragikos", the term "tragic" relates to tragedy and its characteristics. The Greek root "tragōidia" refers to "goat-song", historically believed to be associated with plays that involved the sacrifice of goats.

Derivatives

• Tragically
• Tragicness
• Tragicomic
• Tragicomedy
• Tragedian

Synonyms

• Heartbreaking
• Woeful
• Sorrowful

Antonyms

• Joyful
• Fortunate
• Happy

Usage

• "Tragic" is often used to describe events, circumstances, or stories that evoke feelings of sorrow, pity, or despair.
• Her tragic past shaped her into the resilient woman she is today.

Related Terms

• Tragedy
• Sorrow
• Despair
• Catastrophe
• Heartbreak

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Related to Tragedy: Connected with or resembling tragedy, especially in drama.
• Example: The play had a tragic ending, leaving the audience in tears.

• Causing Sorrow: Causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow.
• Example: The loss of young life in the accident was truly tragic.

• Dramatic Importance: Having a significant or dramatic impact, particularly in relation to a negative event or outcome.
• Example: It's tragic how war can devastate entire generations.