Tragicomic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Tragicomic describes something that blends elements of tragedy and comedy, often highlighting the absurd or bittersweet aspects of a situation. It is used to express both humor and sadness simultaneously.
Definition:
Combining elements of tragedy and comedy, often with a bittersweet or ironic tone.
Synonyms:
bittersweet, seriocomic, dramedic, darkly humorous
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
purely tragic, purely comic
Common Collocations:
tragicomic tale, tragicomic situation, tragicomic effect, tragicomic performance
Derivatives:
tragicomically, tragicomedy
Usage Tips:
Use "tragicomic" to describe situations or works that blend sadness and humor in a poignant way.
Common Phrases:
life’s tragicomic twists, a tragicomic farce, the tragicomic nature of existence
Etymology:
From Greek "tragikos" (tragic) + "komikos" (comic), blending opposing dramatic tones.
Examples:
- 1. The play’s tragicomic ending left the audience both laughing and crying.
- 2. Her life story was a tragicomic mix of misfortune and absurdity.
- 3. The film’s tragicomic tone made its serious themes more accessible.
- 4. He told the story in a tragicomic way that softened its sadness.