A1 adjective #2,588 最常用 10分钟阅读

tragic

At the A1 level, 'tragic' is a word you use to describe something that is very, very sad. Think of it as a stronger version of 'sad'. You might use it when talking about a movie where someone dies, or a big accident in the news. It is a simple way to show you understand that something is a serious problem. For example: 'The movie was tragic.' This means the movie made you want to cry because something bad happened. You don't need to use it for small things like losing a toy. Use it for big, sad things. It helps people know that you feel sorry about what happened. It is an important word for expressing deep feelings in a simple way.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'tragic' to describe specific events like 'a tragic accident' or 'a tragic story'. You understand that 'tragic' is more serious than 'unfortunate'. You might hear it on the news or read it in simple stories. When you use 'tragic', you are telling the listener that the situation involves a lot of suffering or even death. It's a good word to use when you want to show sympathy. For instance, if a friend tells you about a bad fire in their city, you can say, 'That is tragic.' This shows you understand the gravity of the situation. You are also learning that it is an adjective, so it describes a noun.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'tragic' in both speaking and writing to describe complex situations. You can use it to talk about history, literature, or current events. You might say, 'The war had tragic consequences for the people.' This shows you can connect an event to its very sad results. You also begin to see the word 'tragically' used as an adverb to start sentences, like 'Tragically, many people lost their homes.' You are starting to understand that 'tragic' often implies that something valuable was lost. It is not just about being sad; it is about a loss that feels very heavy and important. You can also use it to discuss the 'tragic ending' of a book or film.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of 'tragic' and can use it in more formal contexts. You recognize collocations like 'tragic hero', 'tragic flaw', and 'tragic irony'. You can explain why a situation is tragic, perhaps because it was avoidable or because it affected someone very young or talented. You might use it in an essay to describe the 'tragic waste of resources' or the 'tragic failure of a policy'. You are also aware that 'tragic' can be used slightly metaphorically, but you know to keep its primary meaning of deep sorrow and loss. Your vocabulary is rich enough to choose between 'tragic', 'devastating', and 'heartbreaking' depending on the specific tone you want to set.
At the C1 level, you use 'tragic' with precision and style. You understand its roots in Greek drama and can apply that knowledge when analyzing literature or high-level journalism. You might discuss the 'tragic inevitability' of a historical event, suggesting that the outcome was bound to happen despite people's efforts. You use the word to add emotional depth to your arguments. You are also sensitive to the potential for 'tragic' to be used ironically or hyperbolically, and you can navigate those social nuances easily. You can use the word to describe abstract concepts, like 'the tragic human condition', showing a high level of philosophical and linguistic sophistication.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'tragic'. You can use it in the most formal academic writing or the most evocative creative prose. You understand the subtle difference between 'tragic' and its synonyms in every possible context. You might use it to explore the 'tragic dimensions' of a complex political crisis or the 'tragic resonance' of a piece of music. You are aware of the word's entire history and how that history informs its modern usage. You can use it to create powerful rhetorical effects, knowing exactly how it will impact your audience's emotions. For you, 'tragic' is a versatile tool for expressing the most profound aspects of human experience and loss.

tragic 30秒了解

  • Tragic is a high-intensity adjective used to describe events that cause profound sorrow, typically involving death, disaster, or significant loss of potential.
  • The word has roots in Greek theater, where it described the downfall of a great person due to fate or a personal flaw.
  • Commonly found in news headlines and literature, it signals to the reader that the situation is grave and demands a serious emotional response.
  • It should be distinguished from 'sad' or 'unfortunate,' as 'tragic' implies a much deeper level of devastation and often a narrative of loss.

The word tragic is a powerful adjective used to describe events, situations, or stories that are profoundly sad, distressing, and often involve significant loss, such as death or a life-altering accident. At its core, something tragic isn't just 'sad'; it carries a weight of gravity and often a sense of inevitability or wasted potential. When we call an event tragic, we are acknowledging a deep sense of sorrow that affects the community or the individual on a fundamental level. It is frequently used in the context of news reports, literature, and personal reflections to emphasize the severity of a misfortune.

Primary Definition
Causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow.
Contextual Nuance
Often implies a sense of loss that could have been avoided or is particularly untimely.
Emotional Weight
Evokes pity, fear, or deep sympathy in the observer.

The news of the young athlete's sudden passing was truly tragic, leaving the entire town in a state of mourning.

In a more formal or literary sense, 'tragic' refers to the genre of tragedy. This dates back to Ancient Greece, where a tragic hero—a person of high status—would fall from grace due to a 'tragic flaw' or hamartia. This historical context still colors how we use the word today; even in everyday speech, a tragic event often feels like a grand or significant loss that changes the course of lives. It is not used for minor inconveniences like losing your keys; it is reserved for the heavy blows of fate.

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is the quintessential tragic romance, where miscommunication leads to a double suicide.

Furthermore, the word often appears in news headlines. Phrases like 'tragic accident' or 'tragic mistake' are common. These collocations help the reader immediately understand that the outcome was fatal or devastating. The word acts as a signal for the reader to prepare for serious and somber information. It bridges the gap between a simple report of facts and the emotional reality of the human experience.

It was a tragic waste of talent when the artist died so young, just as her career was beginning to flourish.

Scale of Impact
Usually refers to events that impact many people or change a life forever.
Frequency of Use
Common in journalism, history, and drama.

The tragic irony of the situation was that he arrived just minutes after she had left forever.

In summary, 'tragic' is a word that demands respect. It is used to honor the depth of human suffering and the seriousness of loss. Whether describing a historical disaster, a literary masterpiece, or a personal heartbreak, it remains one of the most evocative adjectives in the English language for expressing the darker side of the human condition.

The earthquake was a tragic event that displaced thousands of families overnight.

Using the word tragic correctly requires an understanding of its emotional intensity. Because it is a 'strong' adjective, it should be used sparingly to maintain its impact. If you describe every small problem as tragic, you lose the ability to describe truly devastating events effectively. It is most commonly used as an attributive adjective (before a noun) or a predicative adjective (after a linking verb).

Attributive Use
Example: 'A tragic accident occurred on the highway.'
Predicative Use
Example: 'The loss of the ship was tragic.'

When modifying 'tragic', you can use adverbs like 'deeply', 'truly', 'utterly', or 'heartbreakingly'. These add emphasis to the scale of the sorrow. However, avoid using 'very' with tragic, as 'tragic' is already an extreme state. Instead, choose adverbs that reflect the quality of the sadness.

The ending of the film was deeply tragic, leaving the audience in tears as the credits rolled.

In professional writing, such as journalism or academic essays, 'tragic' is used to provide a moral or emotional frame to a set of facts. For instance, a historian might write about the 'tragic consequences' of a failed treaty. This tells the reader that the consequences were not just bad, but caused widespread suffering and perhaps could have been avoided.

You will often see 'tragic' paired with specific nouns. These are called collocations. Common ones include 'tragic hero', 'tragic flaw', 'tragic circumstances', and 'tragic death'. Using these standard pairings will make your English sound more natural and sophisticated. For example, describing a character's 'tragic flaw' immediately signals to a reader that you are discussing their personality trait that leads to their downfall.

The protagonist's tragic flaw was his overwhelming pride, which eventually led to his ruin.

In casual conversation, 'tragic' is sometimes used hyperbolically (with exaggeration), but this is less common than with words like 'terrible' or 'awful'. If a friend says, 'It's tragic that the cafe is closed,' they are using the word to show a humorous level of disappointment. However, be careful with this usage, as it can seem insensitive if used in the wrong context.

It would be tragic if we didn't take this opportunity to see the world while we are young.

Formal Contexts
Legal reports, eulogies, historical analysis.
Informal Contexts
Discussing movies, books, or significant personal news.

Finally, remember that 'tragic' often implies a narrative. There is a beginning (hope), a middle (conflict/error), and an end (loss). When you use the word, you are often summarizing this entire arc of sadness. It is a word that tells a story of what was lost and why it matters.

The word tragic is a staple of news media. Journalists use it to convey the human cost of events. You will hear it in television broadcasts reporting on natural disasters, car accidents, or the passing of public figures. It serves as an emotional shorthand that alerts the viewer to the gravity of the situation. For example, a news anchor might start a segment by saying, 'We begin tonight with news of a tragic fire in the downtown district.'

The reporter described the tragic scene where families were waiting for news of their loved ones.

In the world of literature and theater, 'tragic' is a technical term. Students and critics use it to discuss the structure of plays and novels. You'll hear it in classrooms when discussing 'tragic irony'—when the audience knows something the character doesn't, leading to a sad outcome—or when analyzing a 'tragic hero'. This academic usage is precise and refers to specific storytelling traditions that date back thousands of years.

You will also encounter 'tragic' in music and art criticism. A critic might describe a singer's voice as having a 'tragic quality,' meaning it sounds full of sorrow and pain. Similarly, a painting might be described as a 'tragic masterpiece' if it depicts a scene of great suffering with beauty and skill. In these contexts, the word is used to describe the emotional resonance of the work.

The opera's tragic finale left the audience in a stunned, respectful silence.

In everyday life, people use 'tragic' to express deep sympathy. If someone tells you about a difficult situation a neighbor is going through, you might respond, 'That's just tragic.' Here, it functions as a way to validate the other person's feelings and acknowledge the severity of the problem. It is a word of empathy and connection.

Media Headlines
'Tragic Loss for the Community', 'Tragic Accident Claims Three'.
Literature Class
'The tragic arc of the character leads to a inevitable conclusion.'

Finally, you might hear it in political speeches. Politicians often use 'tragic' to describe social failures or historical events they wish to address. By calling a situation 'tragic,' they are framing it as something that demands action and moral attention. It is a word that carries significant rhetorical weight in public discourse.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with tragic is using it for minor problems. Because the word has such a high emotional stakes, using it for something trivial can sound strange or even sarcastic. For example, saying 'It's tragic that I forgot my umbrella' is usually an exaggeration. Unless the lack of an umbrella leads to a life-threatening illness, 'unfortunate' or 'annoying' would be better choices.

Another common error is confusing the adjective 'tragic' with the noun 'tragedy'. You might hear someone say, 'It was a very tragic,' which is grammatically incorrect because 'tragic' needs a noun to describe, or it needs to follow a verb like 'is' or 'was'. Correct: 'It was a tragedy' or 'It was tragic.'

Incorrect
'The news was a tragic.' (Noun needed)
Correct
'The news was tragic.' OR 'The news was a tragedy.'

Learners also sometimes confuse 'tragic' with 'magic' or 'traffic' due to similar sounds, though their meanings are entirely unrelated. Always double-check the context. If you are talking about cars, it's 'traffic'. If you are talking about wizards, it's 'magic'. If you are talking about a sad death, it's 'tragic'.

Don't confuse: Tragic (sad) vs. Traffic (cars) vs. Magic (spells).

There is also a subtle mistake in using 'tragic' when 'sad' is more appropriate. 'Tragic' usually implies a certain level of drama or a 'fall from grace'. If a pet fish dies of old age, it is 'sad'. If a pet fish is killed in a freak accident involving a lightning strike, it might be described as 'tragic' (though still a bit hyperbolic). Use 'tragic' for events that feel like they belong in a story or a news report.

Finally, be careful with the adverb 'tragically'. It is often used as a sentence starter: 'Tragically, the rescue team arrived too late.' Make sure the event following 'tragically' is actually a tragedy. Using it to describe a sports team losing a game (unless you are a very dramatic fan) can come across as misplaced.

Understanding the synonyms and related words for tragic helps you choose the exact right level of sadness for your sentence. While 'tragic' is the most intense, other words offer different shades of meaning.

Heartbreaking
Focuses on the emotional pain felt by those involved. It is more personal than 'tragic'.
Devastating
Focuses on the destruction or total ruin caused by the event. Often used for natural disasters.
Calamitous
A formal word for something that causes great damage or distress; a disaster.
Lamentable
Used for something that is very disappointing or regrettable, but perhaps less intense than tragic.

The loss of the ancient library was a devastating blow to world history, much like a tragic death.

On the other hand, 'unfortunate' and 'regrettable' are much weaker. You would use 'unfortunate' for a rained-out picnic, but 'tragic' for a flood that destroys a village. Knowing this hierarchy of 'sad' words is key to advanced English proficiency. 'Tragic' sits at the very top of this hierarchy.

In literature, 'tragic' is often contrasted with 'comic'. While 'comic' events lead to a happy resolution (usually a wedding), 'tragic' events lead to a catastrophic resolution (usually death). This binary helps students of literature categorize stories quickly. If you are describing a story that has both sad and funny elements, you might call it 'tragicomic'.

The play was a tragicomic look at family life, making us laugh one minute and cry the next.

Another related concept is 'pathos'. Pathos is the quality in a situation that evokes pity or sadness. You might say, 'The scene was full of tragic pathos.' This is a very sophisticated way to describe a moment that is deeply moving. By expanding your vocabulary to include these related terms, you can describe complex emotions with much greater precision.

How Formal Is It?

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非正式

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难度评级

需要掌握的语法

按水平分级的例句

1

The news was very tragic.

La nouvelle était très tragique.

Adjective following the verb 'to be'.

2

It was a tragic accident.

C'était un accident tragique.

Adjective before a noun.

3

The movie has a tragic ending.

Le film a une fin tragique.

Adjective describing the noun 'ending'.

4

I read a tragic story today.

J'ai lu une histoire tragique aujourd'hui.

Adjective describing 'story'.

5

The death of the king was tragic.

La mort du roi était tragique.

Subject-Verb-Adjective structure.

6

It is tragic when people lose their homes.

C'est tragique quand les gens perdent leur maison.

Using 'It is tragic' to introduce a situation.

7

The tragic fire destroyed the school.

Le feu tragique a détruit l'école.

Attributive adjective.

8

She told us a tragic tale.

Elle nous a raconté un conte tragique.

Adjective modifying 'tale'.

1

The singer's death was a tragic loss for music.

La mort du chanteur a été une perte tragique pour la musique.

Collocation: 'tragic loss'.

2

They suffered a tragic fate.

Ils ont subi un sort tragique.

Adjective describing 'fate'.

3

The tragic event happened last night.

L'événement tragique s'est produit hier soir.

Specific time reference.

4

It was tragic to see the forest burning.

C'était tragique de voir la forêt brûler.

Infinitival phrase following 'It was tragic'.

5

The play we saw was very tragic.

La pièce que nous avons vue était très tragique.

Describing a performance.

6

He had a tragic childhood.

Il a eu une enfance tragique.

Describing a period of life.

7

The news report was truly tragic.

Le reportage était vraiment tragique.

Using 'truly' for emphasis.

8

We heard about the tragic mistake.

Nous avons entendu parler de l'erreur tragique.

Collocation: 'tragic mistake'.

1

Tragically, no one survived the crash.

Tragiquement, personne n'a survécu au crash.

Adverb used as a sentence modifier.

2

The film explores the tragic consequences of war.

Le film explore les conséquences tragiques de la guerre.

Collocation: 'tragic consequences'.

3

It is tragic that such a young talent was wasted.

Il est tragique qu'un tel jeune talent ait été gaspillé.

Noun clause starting with 'that'.

4

The story follows a tragic hero through his downfall.

L'histoire suit un héros tragique à travers sa chute.

Literary term: 'tragic hero'.

5

There was a tragic irony in his final words.

Il y avait une ironie tragique dans ses derniers mots.

Literary term: 'tragic irony'.

6

The community came together after the tragic incident.

La communauté s'est réunie après l'incident tragique.

Describing a social response.

7

The novel is a tragic masterpiece of the 19th century.

Le roman est un chef-d'œuvre tragique du XIXe siècle.

Describing a work of art.

8

She has a tragic expression on her face.

Elle a une expression tragique sur le visage.

Describing physical appearance.

1

The protagonist's tragic flaw led to his ultimate ruin.

Le défaut tragique du protagoniste a conduit à sa ruine ultime.

Literary term: 'tragic flaw'.

2

The documentary highlights the tragic plight of refugees.

Le documentaire souligne le sort tragique des réfugiés.

Collocation: 'tragic plight'.

3

It would be tragic to ignore the lessons of history.

Il serait tragique d'ignorer les leçons de l'histoire.

Conditional mood.

4

The poem captures the tragic beauty of the autumn leaves.

Le poème capture la beauté tragique des feuilles d'automne.

Oxymoron-like pairing: 'tragic beauty'.

5

His life was marked by a series of tragic events.

Sa vie a été marquée par une série d'événements tragiques.

Passive voice construction.

6

The decision had tragic implications for the environment.

La décision a eu des implications tragiques pour l'environnement.

Describing long-term effects.

7

The opera is famous for its tragic finale.

L'opéra est célèbre pour son final tragique.

Describing a musical structure.

8

They shared a tragic bond born of shared suffering.

Ils partageaient un lien tragique né d'une souffrance commune.

Describing a relationship.

1

The play is a profound meditation on the tragic nature of existence.

La pièce est une méditation profonde sur la nature tragique de l'existence.

Abstract philosophical usage.

2

There is something inherently tragic about a dream that never comes true.

Il y a quelque chose d'intrinsèquement tragique dans un rêve qui ne se réalise jamais.

Using 'inherently' to modify 'tragic'.

3

The historian noted the tragic inevitability of the empire's collapse.

L'historien a noté l'inévitabilité tragique de l'effondrement de l'empire.

Collocation: 'tragic inevitability'.

4

Her performance was imbued with a tragic grace.

Sa performance était imprégnée d'une grâce tragique.

Sophisticated descriptive phrase.

5

The policy was a tragic failure of leadership.

La politique a été un échec tragique du leadership.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

6

The novel's tragic arc is mirrored in its bleak setting.

L'arc tragique du roman se reflète dans son cadre désolé.

Literary analysis.

7

He spoke of the tragic waste of human potential in the slums.

Il a parlé du gaspillage tragique du potentiel humain dans les bidonvilles.

Social commentary.

8

The tragic dimensions of the crisis are only now becoming clear.

Les dimensions tragiques de la crise ne deviennent claires que maintenant.

Using 'dimensions' to show scale.

1

The symphony's tragic undertones evoke a sense of cosmic despair.

Les sous-entendus tragiques de la symphonie évoquent un sentiment de désespoir cosmique.

Highly formal/abstract.

2

To view the event as merely unfortunate is to miss its tragic significance.

Considérer l'événement comme simplement malheureux, c'est passer à côté de sa signification tragique.

Contrasting 'unfortunate' and 'tragic'.

3

The author explores the tragic tension between duty and desire.

L'auteur explore la tension tragique entre le devoir et le désir.

Thematic analysis.

4

The tragic grandeur of the ruins left us speechless.

La grandeur tragique des ruines nous a laissés sans voix.

Pairing 'tragic' with 'grandeur'.

5

His rhetoric was filled with tragic allusions to the fallen heroes of old.

Sa rhétorique était remplie d'allusions tragiques aux héros déchus d'autrefois.

Describing a style of speech.

6

The tragic irony of her success was that she had no one to share it with.

L'ironie tragique de son succès était qu'elle n'avait personne avec qui le partager.

Complex situational irony.

7

There is a tragic nobility in his refusal to surrender.

Il y a une noblesse tragique dans son refus de se rendre.

Abstract noun pairing.

8

The film's tragic denouement was both shocking and inevitable.

Le dénouement tragique du film était à la fois choquant et inévitable.

Technical literary term: 'denouement'.

常见搭配

tragic accident
tragic death
tragic loss
tragic hero
tragic flaw
tragic irony
tragic circumstances
tragic mistake
tragic event
tragic consequences

常用短语

a tragic waste of life

in tragic circumstances

a tragic turn of events

the tragic truth

tragic news

tragic ending

tragic story

tragic figure

tragic accident

tragic mistake

容易混淆的词

tragic vs traffic

tragic vs magic

tragic vs tragical

习语与表达

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容易混淆

tragic vs Tragedy

The noun form (e.g., 'It was a tragedy').

tragic vs Tragically

The adverb form (e.g., 'He died tragically').

tragic vs Sad

A general word for unhappiness; 'tragic' is much more intense.

tragic vs Unfortunate

Used for bad luck; 'tragic' is for devastating loss.

tragic vs Calamitous

More formal and focuses on the disaster itself.

句型

如何使用

formality

Appropriate for all levels of formality, but most common in serious contexts.

intensity

Tragic is much stronger than sad.

collocation

Frequently used with 'accident', 'death', and 'hero'.

常见错误
  • 'Tragic' is an adjective, not a noun. You can't use 'a' before it unless there is a noun after it.

  • Don't confuse 'tragic' with 'traffic'. They sound similar but mean very different things.

  • Don't use 'tragic' for small, unimportant things. It's too strong for losing a pen.

  • Use the adjective 'tragic' to describe the movie, or 'a tragedy' as a noun.

  • Use the adverb 'tragically' to describe how someone died.

小贴士

Scale Your Sadness

Save 'tragic' for the big stuff. If you use it for a burnt piece of toast, people might think you're being funny or dramatic. Use 'sad' or 'bad' for small things. Use 'tragic' for things that make the news.

Learn the Noun

Remember that 'tragedy' is the noun form. You can say 'It was a tragedy' or 'The event was tragic'. Don't mix them up! Using the right form makes your English sound much more natural.

Use Common Pairs

Try using 'tragic accident' or 'tragic loss'. These are very common pairs of words that English speakers use all the time. Using these pairs will help you sound more like a native speaker. It's an easy way to boost your level.

Soft 'G'

The 'g' in tragic is soft, like a 'j'. It's not a hard 'g' like in 'goat'. Think of the word 'magic'—they rhyme! Practicing this 'j' sound will help you pronounce many English words correctly.

Start with 'Tragically'

In your writing, you can start a sentence with 'Tragically,' to set a sad tone immediately. For example: 'Tragically, the rain didn't stop in time.' This is a very effective way to engage your reader's emotions. It works well in stories and reports.

News Watch

Listen for 'tragic' when you watch the news in English. You will hear it often. Pay attention to what kinds of stories they use it for. This will help you understand the 'weight' of the word in real life.

The Tragic Hero

If you're studying English literature, 'tragic hero' is a key term. It describes a character who falls from a high position. Knowing this will help you in English classes and exams. It's a very common topic for essays.

Avoid 'Very'

Instead of saying 'very tragic', try 'deeply tragic' or 'truly tragic'. These adverbs sound more sophisticated. Since 'tragic' is already a strong word, 'very' can sometimes sound a bit weak. Choose stronger adverbs for more impact.

Show You Care

Using 'tragic' is a good way to show deep sympathy. If someone tells you about a major disaster, saying 'That's tragic' shows you really care. It's a powerful word for connecting with others during difficult times. It validates their feelings.

Goat Song History

Remember the 'goat song' origin to help you remember the word. It's a strange fact that makes the word stick in your mind. It connects the word to the history of theater and performance. It's a great conversation starter too!

记住它

记忆技巧

TRAGIC: Truly Ruinous And Greatly Intense Calamity.

词源

Greek

文化背景

Used frequently in 'breaking news' to signal a fatal event.

Shakespearean tragedies like Hamlet and Othello are the most famous examples.

The 'tragic sense of life' refers to the struggle of humans against fate.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"What is the most tragic movie you have ever seen?"

"Do you think it's tragic when old buildings are torn down?"

"How do you feel when you hear tragic news on the TV?"

"Is there a tragic hero in your favorite book?"

"What makes a story tragic rather than just sad?"

日记主题

Write about a tragic event in history and why it still matters.

Describe a tragic character from a story you know.

Reflect on a time you felt a situation was truly tragic.

Is it possible for something to be both beautiful and tragic?

How does the word 'tragic' change the way we think about an accident?

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, 'tragic' is much stronger than 'sad'. While 'sad' can describe minor things like a rainy day, 'tragic' is reserved for serious events like death or major disasters. It implies a deep and significant loss. Using 'tragic' tells the listener that the situation is very grave. It is one of the most intense words for sorrow in English.

Usually, no. Using 'tragic' for a lost phone would be considered an exaggeration or hyperbole. Unless the phone contained the only copy of your life's work, it's better to use 'unfortunate' or 'annoying'. 'Tragic' should be kept for events that have a lasting, serious impact on life. It's important to match the word to the scale of the event.

A tragic hero is a character in a story who is mostly good but has one major flaw that leads to their downfall. This concept comes from ancient Greek drama. Famous examples include Macbeth or Oedipus. The hero's downfall usually makes the audience feel pity and fear. It is a central idea in literature and film studies.

Tragic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not, and this lack of knowledge leads to a sad result. For example, if a character runs into a building to save someone who has already escaped, that is tragic irony. It adds a layer of sadness because the audience can see the disaster coming. It is a common technique used by writers to create emotional impact.

Yes, 'tragical' is a real word, but it is very old-fashioned and rarely used today. In modern English, we almost always use 'tragic'. You might see 'tragical' in books written hundreds of years ago, like those by Shakespeare. For your own writing and speaking, stick to 'tragic'. It is the standard and correct form for modern communication.

It is pronounced 'TRAG-ic'. The stress is on the first syllable. The 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'cat', and the 'g' sounds like a 'j' (as in 'jam'). The second syllable is a short 'i' sound, like in 'it'. Practicing the 'j' sound for the 'g' is important for being understood clearly.

Both words describe very sad situations, but they have slightly different focuses. 'Tragic' focuses on the sorrow, loss, and the narrative of the event. 'Devastating' focuses on the power of the event to destroy or ruin something. For example, an earthquake is 'devastating' because it destroys buildings, and 'tragic' because people lost their lives. They are often used together.

No, 'tragic' is almost exclusively used for negative, sad, or distressing things. There is no positive version of 'tragic'. If something is very good, you might use words like 'wonderful', 'magnificent', or 'triumphant'. 'Tragic' is firmly rooted in the experience of suffering and loss. It is the opposite of 'comic' or 'happy'.

It can be used in business to describe very serious failures or losses. For example, a CEO might describe a massive loss of jobs as 'tragic'. However, it is a very emotional word, so it is used less often than 'unfortunate' or 'critical'. When it is used, it is meant to show that the company cares about the human impact of a decision. It adds a moral tone to business discussions.

The word comes from the Ancient Greek word 'tragoidia'. Interestingly, this word literally means 'goat song'. This is because early Greek plays were performed during festivals where goats were sacrificed or where actors wore goat skins. Over time, the word came to refer specifically to the sad plays we now call tragedies. It's a fascinating history for such a serious word.

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更多Emotions词汇

abanimfy

C1

A collective psychological state characterized by a profound loss of vitality, spirit, or motivation within a specific group or community. It describes the stagnation that occurs when a social structure or organization loses its shared sense of purpose and creative energy.

abanimize

C1

指为了达到超然客观的状态而消除情况中情感强度系统的过程。

abhor

C1

指对某事感到强烈的厌恶、憎恨或道德上的反感。这是一个表达深层排斥感的正式用语。

abminity

C1

To regard something with intense loathing or extreme disgust; to treat an object or idea as an abomination. It is used in high-level contexts to describe a profound moral or aesthetic aversion toward an action or concept.

abmotine

C1

Describes a state of being emotionally detached or lacking intrinsic motivation, often characterized by a cold, clinical, or indifferent stance. It is used to denote a specific lack of movement or response to external emotional stimuli.

abominable

C1

可恶的。1. 我们度假期间的天气简直太可恶了。2. 他犯下了一桩令全国震惊的可恶罪行。

abphilous

C1

To consciously withdraw or distance oneself from a previous affinity, attraction, or emotional attachment. It involves a systematic effort to break a psychological bond in order to achieve a state of neutrality or objectivity.

absedhood

C1

“absedhood”形容一种与周围环境或社会责任深刻脱节或情感退缩的状态。它指的是一种强烈的、通常是自我强加的孤立状态。

abvidness

C1

The quality or state of being intensely eager, enthusiastic, or consumed by a particular interest or desire. It represents a level of dedication and spirited engagement that often goes beyond standard enthusiasm, typical of scholars, collectors, or hobbyists.

adacrty

C1

Alacrity refers to a cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness to do something. It describes not only the speed of an action but also the positive and enthusiastic attitude of the person performing it.

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