high comedy

noun

1. comedy dealing with polite society, characterized by sophisticated, witty dialogue and an intricate plot.

high comedy

noun

1. See low comedy
   comedy set largely among cultured and articulate people and featuring witty dialogue Compare low comedy

Derived Forms

• high comedian, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of high comedy¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

We go from high drama to high comedy, from horror to sadness to silliness.

From The Daily Beast

It was as unsubstantial as an evening's performance, in temporary finery, of a high comedy of manners.

From Project Gutenberg

He had the added merit of maintaining, after Beaumarchais and before Émile Augier, the dignity of high comedy.

From Project Gutenberg

Then followed a scene of high comedy, if one could laugh at negligence that has caused so much bloodshed.

From Project Gutenberg

You play high comedy to perfection, and you should not let your extreme modesty prevent your aspiring to a more brilliant theatre.

From Project Gutenberg

At this time, de Marsay had just been employing his friend, our friend de Trailles, in the high comedy of politics.

From Project Gutenberg