TRAJ-uh-deez
/ˈtɹædʒədiz/
tragedies is pronounced TRAJ-uh-deez (/ˈtɹædʒədiz/). Tragedies is the plural form of tragedy, referring to serious or disastrous events or plays with sorrowful outcomes. In everyday use it denotes multiple unfortunate occurrences, or in literature to describe a collection of tragic dramas. It carries formal or literary nuance and typically appears in discussions of literature, history, or current events.
Tragedies is the plural form of tragedy, referring to serious or disastrous events or plays with sorrowful outcomes. In everyday use it denotes multiple unfortunate occurrences, or in literature to describe a collection of tragic dramas. It carries formal or literary nuance and typically appears in discussions of literature, history, or current events.
"The newspaper listed several tragedies that unfolded during the week."
"Several tragedies in the play culminate in a somber, reflective finale."
"The professor contrasted comedies with tragedies to highlight differences in tone and theme."
Pronounce as /ˈtrædʒɪdiz/. Start with a strong stressed TRAD- sound: 'TRAD' with an open front vowel /æ/. Then the second syllable is a short /ɪ/ (as in kit), leading to the final /diz/. The double 'g' is a soft /dʒ/ (as in judge). Total syllables: three. Think: TRA-dji-diz. Tip: keep the 'dʒ' sound crisp and avoid a heavy 'g' before the /ɪ/; the /ɪ/ is short, not a long 'ee' sound.
Common mistakes: (1) pronouncing the middle vowel as /eɪ/ or /iː/ instead of the short /ɪ/—say 'truh-juh-deez' with the quick /ɪ/. (2) slipping the /dʒ/ into a /d/ or hard g; keep the /dʒ/ sound as in 'judge' rather than 'dj' or 'jay'. (3) misplacing stress, sounding like /ˈtrædʒɪdiz/ with weak first-stress; ensure primary stress on the first syllable. Practice by isolating the /dʒ/ blend and the final /dz/.” ,
In US, UK, and AU, the pronunciation is essentially the same: /ˈtrædʒɪdiz/. Variation is minimal, mainly in vowel length or quality in connected speech; you might hear a slightly tensed /æ/ in some US regions and a more centralized, lax /æ/ in certain UK dialects. The final /z/ in all three accents remains voiced. Rhoticity does not affect this word beyond possible linking and intonation patterns in sentences.
Two main challenges: the /æ/ in the first syllable can vary in quality across speakers, and the /dʒ/ blend after the vowel requires precise tongue contact: the tongue should rapidly move from the alveolar /t/ area to the post-alveolar /ʒ/ position. The final /diz/ cluster demands a quick /d/ release followed by a voiced /z/. In fast speech, the middle syllable may reduce to a brief /ɪ/ or even a schwa if not careful.
A unique feature is the /dʒ/ consonant cluster immediately after the stressed syllable, which is a fusion of /d/ and /ʒ/: many learners hyperarticulate it as /dʒ/ cleanly, but some produce a softer onset or blend with a preceding /t/ or /tʃ/ in rapid speech. Paying attention to the exact place of articulation—palatal-alveolar—helps avoid an overly hard or muffled jamb sound and ensures the blend remains distinct in context.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "tragedies"!
Tragedy comes from Latin tragēdia, from Greek tragōidia (tra'gos + -oeid-), literally 'goat song'—a reference to ancient Greek festivals where a chorus and prize-winning performer sang in honor of Dionysus. The term evolved from Greek tragōidia to Latin tragēdia, and then into Old French tragoisie before entering English as tragedy. The plural tragedies emerged as the standard English pluralization of tragedy, first attested in Early Modern English writings as a label for serious dramatic works and somber real-life events. The shift from describing a dramatic form to a general category of serious misfortune reflects a broadening of sense from theatre to any consequential, sorrowful event. Over centuries, tragedies has retained its literary connotation while extending to news contexts discussing devastating events, often carrying a solemn or formal register.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "tragedies" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "tragedies" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "tragedies" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "tragedies"
-ies sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
