travesty
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈtræv.ə.sti//
KK: /ˈtræv.ə.sti/
noun
Definition
A distorted or exaggerated version of something, often used to mock or criticize it.
Example
The movie was a travesty of the original novel, changing the story completely.
Conversation
Did you see that movie they called a comedy?
Yes, it was such a travesty of humor!
I know, right? It felt more like a bad imitation than anything funny.
Totally! They really missed the mark on that one.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
caricature
parody
mockery
Antonyms
authenticity
genuineness
truth
transitive verb
Definition
To make a serious situation seem ridiculous or to mock it in a way that is not respectful.
Example
The comedian's performance was a travesty of the serious play, turning it into a farce.
Tense Forms
Past: travestied
Past Participle: travestied
Conversation
Did you see that new comedy show last night?
Yeah, it was hilarious! They really travesty the whole situation.
I know, right? I couldn’t believe how they twisted the story.
Root Explanation
Travesty comes from the Latin 'trans-' (meaning across) and 'vestire' (meaning to dress). The word originally referred to a work that was dressed up or presented in a distorted or exaggerated manner, often for comic effect.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'dressed up' ('vestire') in a way that is 'across' ('trans-') from its original form, which helps you remember that a travesty is a distorted or exaggerated representation.
Visually Confused Words
transvest