noun
comedy
Drama that ends happily rather than tragically.
In this comedy, the feuding families reconcile and celebrate a wedding.
Etymology
Greek kōmos and ōidē combine revelry with song. Comedy’s festive dramatic tradition developed the literary association with a favorable resolution, giving this sense its emphasis on a happy ending.
More examples
- The class compares two comedies that end with joyful reunions.
- Although the play explores serious problems, its happy ending makes it a comedy.
- Unlike the tragedy, this comedy ends with everyone safe and reconciled.
Forms
comedy · comedies
Similar words
- drama
- Broader category that includes both happy endings and tragic outcomes.
- tragicomedy
- Mixes tragic and comic elements, often avoiding a tragic ending.