tragedy

Everyday

1. A tragedy is a very sad event that causes great suffering, damage or death, like a terrible accident or disaster. tree →
2. A tragedy is a serious play or story that ends sadly, often with the death of the main character, as in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. tree →
3. (informal) Tragedy can be used jokingly for something small that seems sad, like dropping your ice cream. tree →

In the lessons

In history and the news, tragedies like shipwrecks, wars and floods are remembered with respect. In English lessons, pupils study tragedy and comedy as kinds of drama. In everyday talk, children may joke «What a tragedy!» about small losses. Phrases: «a terrible tragedy», «a Shakespearean tragedy», «end in tragedy», «tragedy struck».

Examples

• The sinking of the Titanic was a great tragedy. tree →
• The town held a minute's silence after the tragedy. tree →
• Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. tree →
• Tragedy struck when the bridge collapsed. tree →
• The day out ended in tragedy. tree →
• I dropped my ice cream — what a tragedy! (joking) tree →
• And then one night came the tragedy. tree →

Note

Plural: tragedies. Adjective «tragic», adverb «tragically». Opposite in drama: «comedy». Be careful with the joking sense: around people who have suffered a real tragedy, it can sound unkind.