tragedy
Translation
tragedy, disaster
Examples
The plane crash was a terrible tragedy.
The plane crash was a terrible tragedy.
We are studying Shakespeare's tragedies in class.
We are studying Shakespeare's tragedies in class.
Grammar Patterns
a tragedy a very sad event It was a tragedy that he died so young.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disaster, catastrophe, calamity; Antonyms: comedy, triumph, success
Etymology
From Greek 'tragōidia', literally 'goat song', from 'tragos' (goat) + 'ōidē' (song), perhaps referring to a drama where a goat was the prize or was sacrificed.
Memory Tips
Think of a tragic play like Romeo and Juliet. The story ends in sadness, a 'tragedy'.