What does "tragicomedy" mean?
The genre of drama that combines elements of tragedy and comedy.
Tragicomedy
/ˌtɹædʒɪˈkɒmədi/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The genre of drama that combines elements of tragedy and comedy.
- Grammar: tragicomedy is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ambivalent mood, arlequinade, black comedy, broad comedy.
- Useful contrasts: pure comedy, pure tragedy, uniform tone.
- Usage evidence: Who can tell me what a tragicomedy is?
How to use "tragicomedy"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tragicomedy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tragicomedy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tragicomedy" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ambivalent mood" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The genre of drama that combines elements of tragedy and comedy. uncountable
- 2 a comedy with serious elements or overtones wordnet
- 3 A drama that combines elements of tragedy and comedy. countable
"This matters because after the tragicomedies of Brexit and Grexit, the world has been enjoying the spectacle of “Orkxit”. This month it was suggested that the Orkney Islands might like to secede from Britain and become a self-governing territory of Norway."
- 4 a dramatic composition involving elements of both tragedy and comedy usually with the tragic predominating wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
pure comedypure tragedyuniform toneunmixed tone
Example
"Who can tell me what a tragicomedy is?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tragicomedy"?
Common synonyms include: ambivalent mood, arlequinade, black comedy, broad comedy, burlesque, burletta.
How do you use "tragicomedy" in a sentence?
Who can tell me what a tragicomedy is?
How do you pronounce "tragicomedy"?
Pronounced /ˌtɹædʒɪˈkɒmədi/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French tragicomédie (whence French tragicomédie), itself borrowed from Italian tragicommedia, from Latin tragicōmoedia, tragicocōmoedia. By surface analysis, tragic + comedy, with haplology.