tragic irony

noun

1. dramatic irony in tragic drama.

tragic irony

noun

1. the use of dramatic irony in a tragedy (originally, in Greek tragedy), so that the audience is aware that a character's words or actions will bring about a tragic or fatal result, while the character himself is not

Word History and Origins

Origin of tragic irony¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

In a moment of tragic irony, Samaras said he would never risk his life or the lives of his team to chase a tornado.

From The Daily Beast

To men of our day the later position of William Pitt seems one of almost tragic irony.

From Project Gutenberg

This splendid piece of tragic irony is interpreted at its surface value by the Chorus, who burst into a song of jubilation.

From Project Gutenberg

A splendid dialogue of tragic irony represents both as wishing to find the one a mother, the other a son.

From Project Gutenberg

There is something in the juxtaposition of these two enemies full of tragic irony.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the irony of the situation; it is the tragic irony of all Hebrew history.

From Project Gutenberg