Tragicomical
/ˌtrædʒɪˈkɒmɪkəl/noun
Combining tragic and comic elements, especially in a way that is absurdly mismatched or darkly humorous.
Did you know?Tragicomical is a later blend of tragic and comical, and its power comes from the ancient Greek roots behind tragedy and comedy—words originally tied to ritual song and performance, not just laughter and tears.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
tragōidia
“A goat song; the formal origin of tragedy in ritual performance”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kōmōidia
“A revel song; the origin of comedy in festive, often bawdy performance”
Late Latin
Latin
tragicus
“Relating to tragedy”
Late Latin
Latin
comicus
“Relating to comedy”
17th Century
English
tragic-comical
“A mixed tragic and comic quality”
Modern English
English
tragicomical
“A blend of tragic and comic elements”