adj
tragic
TRAD-zhihk
adj
1
Causing great sadness, suffering, or loss.
"The tragic accident left three people dead."
"It was a tragic end to a promising career."
2
Relating to tragedy as a literary or dramatic form.
"The tragic hero is doomed by his own pride."
How to Use Tragic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeeply sad, or connected to tragedy as an art form.
Common pairings
tragic death
tragic hero
tragic accident
tragic loss
Word Forms
more tragic comparative, tragics plural, most tragic superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “tragic”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ accident left three people dead.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek tragikós ("of tragedy"), from trágos ("goat"), tied to the same obscure goat-related origin as "tragedy."