Word of the Day, September 11: ‘Tragedy’

Word of the Day: Tragedy

Pronunciation: UK /ˈtrædʒ.ə.di/ US /ˈtrædʒ.ə.di/

Meaning

Tragedy is a noun used for an extremely sad event, especially one involving death, suffering or serious loss. The word is also used for a type of drama or literature in which the story ends in suffering, destruction or the downfall of a central character.

Examples for daily usage

• The accident was a terrible tragedy for the entire community.
• Losing her home in the fire was a personal tragedy.
• The family is still trying to recover from the tragedy.

Origin and history

Tragedy entered English through Middle English ‘tragedie’, from French and Latin, and ultimately from the Greek ‘tragōidia’. The Greek word is traditionally explained as a combination of tragos, meaning “goat”, and a word meaning “to sing”, giving the literal sense “goat song”.

The exact reason for the connection with goats is uncertain. One traditional explanation is that a goat was offered as a prize in early dramatic competitions, while another connects goats with religious ceremonies associated with Dionysus. These explanations are theories rather than established facts.

The word was first used in English for a form of drama. Its meaning later broadened, and tragedy came to describe a disastrous or deeply distressing event in everyday life as well.

Cultural significance and modern usage

In literature, tragedy has a long history, particularly in Greek and Shakespearean drama. A tragedy usually centres on serious conflict and leads to suffering or a disastrous ending.

In everyday English, however, the word does not have to refer to a play or novel. It can describe a devastating real-life event, such as a fatal accident or natural disaster. It is also sometimes used more loosely for a deeply disappointing situation, although this use can sound exaggerated depending on the context.

Interesting facts

Ancient Greek tragedy developed as a form of public performance connected with religious festivals honouring Dionysus. Early performances involved a chorus, with individual performers later taking on larger roles.

The plural form of tragedy is tragedies. The related adjective is tragic, while tragically is the adverb.

A tragedy does not always mean that every character dies. In literature, the defining feature is generally the suffering or downfall at the heart of the story.

Examples from literature

• “It has all the terrible beauty of a great tragedy, a tragedy in which I took a great part...” — The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
• “The pride and obstinacy of millers and other insignificant people... have their tragedy too...” — The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot.

Synonyms

• Disaster
• Calamity
• Misfortune
• Catastrophe
• Devastation

Antonyms

• Triumph
• Success
• Joy
• Happiness
• Fortune

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