travesty
|tra-ves-ty|
/ˈtrævəsti/
mocked, distorted representation
Etymology
'travesty' originates from French, specifically the word 'travesti'/'travestir', ultimately from Italian 'travestire' (from 'tra-' (variant of Latin 'trans-') + 'vestire' meaning 'to dress').
'travesty' entered English via French (16th–17th century) from Italian 'travestire'/'travestimento'; French forms 'travesti' and 'travestir' helped produce the English noun 'travesty' and related senses.
Originally related to 'disguise' or 'dressing across' (literal dressing or altering appearance), the sense moved toward theatrical disguise, burlesque, and parody, and later to a broader meaning of a grotesque, shameful, or distorted imitation (e.g., 'a travesty of justice').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something; a grotesque or shameful imitation (often used in phrases like 'a travesty of justice').
The verdict was a travesty of justice.
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Noun 2
an absurd or grotesque example of something (emphasizing the element of mockery or outrage).
The whole exhibition was a travesty, lacking any real artistry.
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Verb 1
to represent or treat something in a false, absurd, or distorted way; to parody or mock by misrepresentation.
To travesty someone's work is disrespectful and misleading.
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Last updated: 2025/12/16 12:28