that branch of dramatic composition which represents common and private life, and of which the object is professedly to correct the vices and follies of mankind by means of ridicule, and to recommend virtue; though in reality the ultimate end is amusement. The word in Latin is comedia, and in Greek κωμῳδία, either from κωμός a merry-making and ὁδός a song, or, according to Bentley, from κῶμος the village song. An account of the ancient comedy is given under Drama.

Comedy is distinguished from farce—the former representing nature as she is, while the latter distorts and overcharges her. They both paint from the life, but with different views; the one to make nature known, the other to make her ridiculous.