Satire vs. Comedy — What's the Difference?

A means of mocking conventions using exaggeration.

A genre aiming to entertain and cause laughter.

A technique using humor to criticize flaws.

Entertainment based on timing and humor.

Commentary on human follies using humor.

Artistic work revolving around amusing situations.

Literary work meant to provoke thought via ridicule.

A depiction of humorous characters and events.

Satire is a genre of the visual, literary, and performing arts, usually in the form of fiction and less frequently non-fiction, in which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, with the intent of shaming individuals, corporations, government, or society itself into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society.

Narrative with a happy or cheerful ending.

A literary work in which human foolishness or vice is attacked through irony, derision, or wit.

Comedy (from the Greek: κωμῳδία, kōmōdía) is a genre of fiction comprised of discourses or works intended to be humorous or amusing by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, film, stand-up comedy, television, radio, books, or any other entertainment medium. The term originated in Ancient Greece: in Athenian democracy, the public opinion of voters was influenced by political satire performed by comic poets in theaters.

The branch of literature constituting such works.

Professional entertainment consisting of jokes and sketches, intended to make an audience laugh

Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose human foolishness or vice.

A play characterized by its humorous or satirical tone and its depiction of amusing people or incidents, in which the characters ultimately triumph over adversity

(uncountable) A literary device of writing or art which principally ridicules its subject often as an intended means of provoking or preventing change or highlighting a shortcoming in the work of another. Humor, irony, and exaggeration are often used to aid this.

A dramatic work that is light and often humorous or satirical in tone and that usually contains a happy resolution of the thematic conflict.

(countable) A satirical work.

The genre made up of such works.

Severity of remark.

A literary or cinematic work of a comic nature or that uses the themes or methods of comedy.

A composition, generally poetical, holding up vice or folly to reprobation; a keen or severe exposure of what in public or private morals deserves rebuke; an invective poem; as, the Satires of Juvenal.

Popular entertainment composed of jokes, satire, or humorous performance.

Keeness and severity of remark; caustic exposure to reprobation; trenchant wit; sarcasm.

The art of composing or performing comedy.

Witty language used to convey insults or scorn;

A humorous element of life or literature

Artistic form highlighting societal issues through irony.

A humorous occurrence.

A choric song of celebration or revel, especially in Ancient Greece.

(countable) A light, amusing play with a happy ending.

A narrative poem with an agreeable ending (e.g., The Divine Comedy).

A dramatic work that is light and humorous or satirical in tone.

(drama) The genre of such works.

(uncountable) Entertainment composed of jokes, satire, or humorous performance.

The art of composing comedy.

(countable) A humorous event.

A dramatic composition, or representation of a bright and amusing character, based upon the foibles of individuals, the manners of society, or the ludicrous events or accidents of life; a play in which mirth predominates and the termination of the plot is happy; - opposed to tragedy.

Light and humorous drama with a happy ending

A comic incident or series of incidents

Yes, comedy's primary goal is to entertain and amuse.

While many comedies are light-hearted, some can touch upon serious issues humorously.

Common comedic elements include wit, timing, slapstick, and humor.

Satire aims to criticize and provoke thought through humor.

Satire can highlight societal issues, prompting reflection and change.

Satire frequently uses irony, exaggeration, and parody.

Yes, many satirical works use comedy to convey their message.

Typically, satire has a critical element, highlighting flaws or ridiculing conventions.

Yes, some tragedies can have comedic moments or characters, often for relief.

Both forms are ancient, with roots in classical literature and theater.

While satire often employs humor, it can sometimes be dark or serious in tone.

No, while some comedies may be satirical, not all contain a critique.

Yes, visual mediums like cartoons or films can also be satirical.

Comedic relief is a humorous scene or character in a serious work to lighten the mood.

Satire focuses on critique using humor, while comedy primarily aims to entertain.