Tragedy
An event causing great suffering; a serious dramatic work with a disastrous end
Language Origin
Greek
Entered English
14thth century
The Story Behind the Word
Tragedy comes from the Greek tragōidia, which combines tragos (goat) + ōidē (song). Literally: "goat song."
Several theories exist for the goat connection. The most popular: early Greek dramatic contests awarded a goat as a prize, so performers were literally singing for a goat. Another theory: actors wore goat skins as costumes. A third: the word derives from a chorus of satyrs — half-man, half-goat creatures — who performed in early Greek theater.
Whatever the origin, the formal Greek tragedy evolved into one of humanity's most powerful art forms, featuring heroes destroyed by fate or their own flaws — giving us the modern concept of "tragic flaw" (hamartia).
Example in Context
"The play explored the tragedy of a man destroyed by his own ambition."
Did You Know?
The word "comedy" also comes from Greek: *kōmos* (revel, village feast) + *ōidē* (song). A comedy was originally a "village festival song."
