tragedian

[ truh-jee-dee-uhn ]

noun

1. an actor especially noted for performing tragic roles.
2. a writer of tragedy.

tragedian

/ trəˈdʒiːdɪən; trəˌdʒiːdɪˈɛn /

noun

1. an actor who specializes in tragic roles
2. a writer of tragedy

Word History and Origins

Origin of tragedian¹

1325–75; tragedy + -an; replacing Middle English tragedien < Middle French

Example Sentences

Among the tragedians, there are extant works from only three: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.

From New York Times

If the best description of a play had been coined centuries earlier by Shakespeare or a Greek tragedian, Scully would not shy from quoting the master.

From Washington Post

“He does not bother about the majestic stride, but moves about completely naturally, not like a tragedian, but like a human being,” a 19th-century critic marveled.

From Washington Post

Greek tragedians were “driven by innovation,” she added, and liked writing new versions of old myths.

From New York Times

"A Greek playwright entered a tailor shop. The tailor asked him, 'Euripides?' The tragedian responded, 'Yes, Eumenides?'"

From Salon