travesty

word

Definition

A travesty is a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something, often making it seem ridiculous or unfair.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in formal or critical contexts to express strong disapproval. Unlike 'parody,' 'travesty' highlights unfairness or distortion, not just humor. Common collocations: 'travesty of justice,' 'a complete travesty.' Rarely used for light or comic situations.

Spanish: parodia - farsa (sentido de distorsión, no cómico)Portuguese (BR): paródia - farsa (sentido de distorção, não cômico)Portuguese (PT): paródia - farsa (sentido de distorção, não cómico)Chinese (Simplified): 滑稽的模仿 - 歪曲（贬义）Chinese (Traditional): 滑稽的模仿 - 歪曲（貶義）Hindi: उल्टा-सीधा मज़ाक - विकृति (नकारात्मक अर्थ)Arabic: تشويه ساخر - محاكاة ساخرة (بمعنى سلبي)Bengali: প্রহসন - বিকৃতিRussian: пародия (негативн.) - фарс - искажениеJapanese: 茶番 - 歪曲Vietnamese: trò hề - sự xuyên tạcKorean: 희화화 - 왜곡Turkish: maskaralık - çarpıtmaUrdu: مضحکہ خیز غلط تعبیر - بگاڑIndonesian: parodi yang keterlaluan - penyimpangan

Example Sentences

Honestly, the test results were a complete travesty—they didn’t reflect our hard work at all.

natural

People are calling the new law a travesty, arguing it only makes things worse.

natural

The verdict was a travesty of justice.

basic

Many said the movie adaptation was a travesty of the original story.

basic

Calling that meal a 'gourmet dinner' was a travesty.

basic

What happened in the meeting today was a travesty—no one listened to anyone else.

natural