parody & travesty

[panicmonger]

Could you tell the differences between a parody and a travesty?

I have read their definitions, but still do not understand... pls help me

[Raymott]

Could you tell the differences between a parody and a travesty?

I have read their definitions, but still do not understand... pls help me

Yes, the dictionaries sometimes don't make a distinction between the meaning. But there is a difference in usage.

‘Parody’ is mocking something in a funny, satirical way. Many comedy shows parody political or current events. Parodies are intentional. Eg. “Have you seen Tina Fay's parody of Sarah Palin?”

‘Travesty’ is normally used negatively, pejoratively. The Satanic Mass is a travesty of the Catholic Mass.
It’s often used for something that isn’t meant to be a parody, but seems like one. Eg. “Have you seen Sarah Palin’s travesty of an interview?”