Tragicomedy: meaning, definitions and examples
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tragicomedy
[ trædʒɪˌkɒmədi ]
literature genre
Tragicomedy is a genre of literature that blends elements of both tragedy and comedy. It often presents serious themes and moral dilemmas but includes humorous situations or characters to create a sense of irony and relief. This genre allows for a deeper exploration of the complexities of human experience, illustrating how joy and sorrow can coexist.
Synonyms
dramedy, melodrama, tragicomical
Examples of usage
- Shakespeare's plays often incorporate tragicomedy elements.
- The film skillfully balances tragicomedy.
- Her novel is a brilliant example of tragicomedy.
Translations
Translations of the word "tragicomedy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tragicomédia
🇮🇳 त्रिगुणात्मक नाटक
🇩🇪 Tragikomödie
🇮🇩 tragikomedi
🇺🇦 трагicomедія
🇵🇱 tragikomedia
🇯🇵 悲喜劇
🇫🇷 tragicomédie
🇪🇸 tragicomedia
🇹🇷 tragikomedi
🇰🇷 비극코미디
🇸🇦 تراجيديا كوميديا
🇨🇿 tragikomedie
🇸🇰 tragikomédia
🇨🇳 悲喜剧
🇸🇮 tragikomedija
🇮🇸 tragíkómédía
🇰🇿 трагикомедия
🇬🇪 ტრაგიკომედია
🇦🇿 tragikomedi
🇲🇽 tragicomedia
Etymology
The term 'tragicomedy' dates back to the early 17th century, deriving from the Latin words 'tragicus' (tragic) and 'comicus' (comic). It was initially used in the context of theater, where playwrights sought to combine the serious and humorous aspects of storytelling. Notably, the genre gained prominence during the Renaissance, with authors like Shakespeare and Molière exploring the complex interplay of human emotions through tragicomic narratives. Over the centuries, tragicomedy has evolved, influencing various art forms, including film and literature, demonstrating how comedic elements can emerge from tragic situations, thereby enriching the storytelling experience.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #35,174, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.