[syn: tragicomic, tragicomical]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Tragi-comic \Trag`i-com"ic\, Tragi-comical \Trag`i-com"ic*al\,
a. [Cf. F. tragi-comique.]
Of or pertaining to tragi-comedy; partaking of grave and
comic scenes. -- Trag`-com"ic*al*ly, adv.
[1913 Webster]
Julian felt toward him that tragi-comic sensation which
makes us pity the object which excites it not the less
that we are somewhat inclined to laugh amid our
sympathy. --Sir W.
Scott.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
tragicomical
adj 1: manifesting both tragic and comic aspects; "the
tragicomic disparity...between's man's aspirations and
his accomplishments"- B.R.Redman [syn: tragicomic,
tragicomical]
2: having pathetic as well as ludicrous characteristics; "her
life...presented itself to me as a tragicomical adventure"--
Joseph Conrad [syn: tragicomic, tragicomical]