Meaning & Definition
adjective
Involving or caused by great distress or suffering; characterized by tragedy.
The tragic event left the community in mourning.
Having the characteristic of being destined to fail or end in disaster.
His tragic flaw ultimately led to his downfall.
Evoking a sense of pity, sorrow, or regret.
Her tragic story resonated with many in the audience.
Relating to or denoting tragedy in literature or drama.
The playwright is known for his tragic works that explore the human condition.
Etymology
From the Latin word 'tragicus', from Greek 'tragikos', related to 'tragōidia' (goat song).
Common Phrases and Expressions
tragic flaw:
A character trait that leads to the downfall of the protagonist in a story.
tragic irony:
A situation in which an outcome is incongruous with what is expected, often in a way that is poignant.
tragicomedy:
A literary genre that blends aspects of tragedy and comedy.
Slang Meanings
Something that is overly sad or unfortunate, often used in a humorous context.
That breakup was so tragic, but we just have to laugh it off.
Used to describe something that is cringeworthy or pathetic.
His attempts at flirting were just tragic.