tragedian
Americannoun
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an actor especially noted for performing tragic roles.
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a writer of tragedy.
noun
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an actor who specializes in tragic roles
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a writer of tragedy
Etymology
Origin of tragedian
1325–75; tragedy + -an; replacing Middle English tragedien < Middle French
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She is, however, a compelling tragedian — a teen who matures before our eyes into a force of nature.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2025
"A Greek playwright entered a tailor shop. The tailor asked him, 'Euripides?' The tragedian responded, 'Yes, Eumenides?'"
From Salon ● Nov. 8, 2021
At this point, Thucydides becomes less a diagnostician than a tragedian.
From Slate ● Mar. 23, 2020
It was Sophocles, the Greek tragedian, who said, “I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating.”
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 11, 2019
She combines the brains of a businessman, the toughness of a prize fighter, the warmth of a companion, the humor of a tragedian.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
