Words / C2

TRAV-uh-stee/ˈtrævəsti/

A travesty is a hollow, mocking imitation of the real thing: a travesty of justice, a travesty of consultation. Mockery and sham are everyday cousins; parody is usually comic on purpose. Tragedy is a disaster or a dramatic genre — a disastrous mix-up. Do not call a genuine, clumsy first attempt a travesty.

Meaning

A false, inferior version that mocks or betrays the real thing.

Examples

• “A two-minute “consultation” was a travesty of the process.”
• “A two-minute “consultation” was a travesty of the process in the handbook.”
• “A tragedy kills; a travesty cheapens. Keep the spellings apart in exam prose.”

Good to know

A false, betraying imitation. Everyday: sham / mockery. Mix-up: tragedy (disaster / play). Comic cousin: parody.

Near in meaning

sham

New