noun

tragedy

tragedy, disaster, calamity

The play was a classic tragedy.

The play was a classic tragedy.

The earthquake was a terrible tragedy.

The earthquake was a terrible tragedy.

((a/the)) tragedy ((of sth.)) a very sad event or situation The tragedy of the war affected everyone.

Synonyms: disaster, catastrophe, calamity; Antonyms: comedy, triumph

From Greek 'tragōidia' (goat song), possibly from contests where a goat was the prize.

Think of a tragic play, like Shakespeare's Hamlet, which ends in great sadness.

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