noun
Common
diplomacy
dih-PLOH-muh-see
Diplomacy (noun) means the practice of managing relations between countries through negotiation rather than conflict. Example: “Years of diplomacy finally led to a peace agreement.”
noun
1
The practice of managing relations between countries through negotiation rather than conflict.
"Years of diplomacy finally led to a peace agreement."
"The two nations used quiet diplomacy to avoid a trade dispute."
"She studied diplomacy at university and hopes to join the foreign service."
2
Skill and tact in handling people or difficult situations.
"It took real diplomacy to calm both sides down."
"Handling the family argument at dinner required a great deal of diplomacy."
"He answered the awkward question with such diplomacy that nobody was offended."
How to use diplomacy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHandling relationships — between nations or between people — carefully and tactfully, to avoid conflict.
Common pairings
practice diplomacy
quiet diplomacy
a matter of diplomacy
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Word forms
- Plural
- diplomacies
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Years of _____ finally led to a peace agreement.
Etymology
From French diplomatie, ultimately from Latin diploma, originally meaning an official letter or license.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for diplomacy
See all rhymes for diplomacy →Frequently asked questions
What does “diplomacy” mean?
The word “diplomacy” means the practice of managing relations between countries through negotiation rather than conflict. In plain terms, handling relationships — between nations or between people — carefully and tactfully, to avoid conflict.
How do you pronounce “diplomacy”?
“Diplomacy” is pronounced dih-PLOH-muh-see (/dɪˈploʊməsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “diplomacy” in a sentence?
Here is “diplomacy” used in a sentence: “Years of diplomacy finally led to a peace agreement.”
What part of speech is “diplomacy”?
“Diplomacy” is a noun.
Where does the word “diplomacy” come from?
The word “diplomacy” comes from Latin. From French diplomatie, ultimately from Latin diploma, originally meaning an official letter or license.
Is “diplomacy” a common word?
“Diplomacy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “diplomacy” have?
“Diplomacy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the practice of managing relations between countries through negotiation rather than conflict.
What is the difference between "diplomacy" and "politics"?
"Diplomacy" specifically refers to managing relations between countries through negotiation rather than conflict, while "politics" is the broader activity of governing and exercising power, which can occur within or between nations. Diplomacy is essentially one tool used within international politics.
What does it mean to use "diplomacy" in a personal or workplace situation?
Outside of international relations, "diplomacy" means handling people or difficult situations with skill and tact, such as delivering criticism gently or resolving a disagreement without causing offense. This everyday sense focuses on interpersonal tact rather than formal negotiations between governments.
Is "diplomacy" always about avoiding conflict?
Its core meaning centers on managing relations through negotiation rather than confrontation, so it generally implies working toward resolution without open conflict. However, diplomacy can still involve firm, difficult negotiations; it simply favors dialogue and tact over hostility.
