tragedienne

[ truh-jee-dee-en ]

/ trəˌdʒi diˈɛn /

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noun

an actress especially noted for performing tragic roles.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

Origin of tragedienne

1850–55; <French, feminine of tragédientragedian

See -enne.

Her genius as a tragedienne surpassed her talent as a singer.
Great Singers, First Series|George T. Ferris
On the evening in question, a very large audience greeted the tragedienne, and she was received, with much enthusiasm.
Continental Monthly, Vol. I, No. VI, June, 1862|Various
She stood waiting for her cue, but as it was given, to the amazement of all, the great tragedienne glided upon the stage.
The Abbot's Ghost, Or Maurice Treherne's Temptation|A. M. Barnard
I said I would be the greatest living tragedienne—hurled this at a lot of cat-minds down in Kentucky fifteen years ago.
Kentucky in American Letters, v. 2 of 2|John Wilson Townsend

Anne was placed with Clairon, the great tragedienne, to learn acting, and with Mlle. Fel to learn singing.
Great Singers, First Series|George T. Ferris