Tragic: meaning, definitions and examples

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tragic

 

[หˆtrรฆdส’ษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a dramatic context

relating to or characteristic of tragedy; having a serious or somber theme, often involving death or suffering

Synonyms

dramatic, grievous, heartbreaking, mournful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tragic

This word is used for events or situations that are extremely sad, often leading to death or severe suffering. It can have a formal tone.

  • The loss of her entire family in the accident was truly tragic
  • It was a tragic moment in history when the disaster struck
dramatic

This word can describe events that are intense, emotional, and often unexpected. It doesn't necessarily imply sadness but indicates heightened emotions or conflict.

  • His entrance was very dramatic, causing everyone to stop and stare
  • The movie had a dramatic plot twist that left the audience in shock
mournful

This word is used to describe feelings or expressions of deep sadness, especially related to death or loss. It can also refer to a generally sorrowful atmosphere.

  • The mournful music played at the funeral brought everyone to tears
  • She had a mournful look on her face ever since the incident
heartbreaking

This word is used for moments that cause deep sadness and emotional pain. It is informal and often used in everyday speech.

  • The sight of the abandoned puppy was simply heartbreaking
  • Receiving the news of his friend's passing was a heartbreaking experience
grievous

This word is used for situations that cause sorrow or pain. It is very formal and often found in serious or official contexts.

  • The country faced a grievous loss with the death of its respected leader
  • His actions resulted in grievous consequences for the entire community

Examples of usage

  • The play ended with a tragic death of the main character.
  • The movie portrayed the tragic consequences of war.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a personal context

causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow

Synonyms

devastating, grievous, heartbreaking, painful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tragic

Use when discussing events that are extremely sad and consequence-heavy, often involving loss of life or great disaster.

  • The sinking of the Titanic was a tragic event in history
  • It was tragic to hear about the accident
heartbreaking

Use for situations that cause intense emotional pain, often related to personal loss or disappointment.

  • It is heartbreaking to see the pictures of the starving children
  • The movie ending was so sad it was heartbreaking
devastating

Use when describing events or situations that cause extreme destruction or emotional suffering.

  • The hurricane had a devastating impact on the community
  • Losing her job was a devastating blow to her
grievous

Use in formal situations to describe serious harm, injury, or sorrow.

  • He suffered grievous injuries in the accident
  • The news of their loss brought grievous sorrow to the family
painful

Use to describe something that causes physical or emotional pain.

  • The breakup was a painful experience for her
  • Recovering from the surgery was very painful

Examples of usage

  • The news of the accident was tragic for the whole community.
  • It was a tragic loss for the family.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'tragลidia', which means 'goat song', probably linked to rituals involving goats in ancient dramas.
  • In the 16th century, it began to refer specifically to serious plays that dealt with the downfall of a hero.

Literature

  • Many famous works, like Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', are considered tragic because they explore deep themes of love and loss.
  • Tragedy often shows how a character's flaws lead to their downfall, making the story more impactful.

Psychology

  • Experiencing tragic events can lead to profound emotional responses, including grief, depression, and existential questioning.
  • Some psychologists argue that understanding tragedy is an important part of human experience, helping us process our own emotions.

Film and Theater

  • Tragic themes are prevalent in cinema, with many films exploring the darker side of human nature and the consequences of our actions.
  • Classic tragedies often end with the protagonist facing dire consequences, inviting audiences to reflect on the story's moral implications.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, tragedies are not just viewed as sad stories but are seen as essential for understanding lifeโ€™s complexities.
  • The tradition of storytelling often includes tragic tales, reminding audiences of the precariousness of happiness and life.

Translations

Translations of the word "tragic" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น trรกgico

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเฅเค–เคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช tragisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tragis

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะฐะณั–ั‡ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tragiczny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‚ฒๅŠ‡็š„ใช (ใฒใ’ใใฆใใช)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tragique

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ trรกgico

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท trajik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„๊ทน์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฃุณุงูˆูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tragickรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tragickรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‚ฒๅ‰ง็š„ (bฤ“ijรน de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tragiฤen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ harmleikur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะนา“ั‹ะปั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ แƒแƒ’แƒ˜แƒ™แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ faciษ™li

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ trรกgico

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,268 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.