adj
Common
diplomatic
dihp-luh-MA-tihk
Diplomatic (adj) means relating to relations between governments and their representatives. Example: “The ambassador attended a diplomatic reception at the embassy last night.”
adj
1
Relating to relations between governments and their representatives.
"Albania immediately severed diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe."
"The ambassador attended a diplomatic reception at the embassy last night."
"Talks continued through diplomatic channels while the leaders stayed out of the public eye."
"The two countries restored diplomatic relations after years of tension."
"She spent thirty years working for Canada's diplomatic service."
2
Tactful and careful not to cause offense.
"Being diplomatic, he suggested a few changes without hurting anyone's feelings."
"You need to be diplomatic when you tell a friend her cooking is too salty."
"She gave a diplomatic answer instead of criticizing her boss directly."
How to use diplomatic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither about official relations between countries, or describing someone tactful who avoids causing offense.
Common pairings
diplomatic relations
diplomatic immunity
a diplomatic response
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more diplomatic
- Superlative
- most diplomatic
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The ambassador attended a _____ reception at the embassy last night.
Etymology
From French diplomatique, ultimately from the same root as "diplomat."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
undiplomatic
Related words
Rhymes for diplomatic
See all rhymes for diplomatic →Frequently asked questions
What does “diplomatic” mean?
The word “diplomatic” means relating to relations between governments and their representatives. In plain terms, either about official relations between countries, or describing someone tactful who avoids causing offense.
How do you pronounce “diplomatic”?
“Diplomatic” is pronounced dihp-luh-MA-tihk (/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “diplomatic” in a sentence?
Here is “diplomatic” used in a sentence: “The two countries restored diplomatic relations after years of tension.”
What part of speech is “diplomatic”?
“Diplomatic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “diplomatic” come from?
The word “diplomatic” comes from French. From French diplomatique, ultimately from the same root as "diplomat.".
Is “diplomatic” a common word?
“Diplomatic” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “diplomatic” have?
“Diplomatic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to relations between governments and their representatives.
What is the difference between "diplomatic" and "tactful"?
"Tactful" means careful not to cause offence in personal or social situations, while "diplomatic" shares that sense but can also refer literally to relations between governments and their representatives. All tactful behaviour is diplomatic in the everyday sense, but "diplomatic" additionally carries a formal political meaning.
What is the difference between "diplomatic" and "political"?
"Diplomatic" relates to relations between governments and their representatives, especially handling them tactfully, whereas "political" relates more broadly to government, power, and public affairs. A diplomatic solution stresses negotiation and tact, while a political one stresses power and policy.
When should you use "diplomatic" instead of "honest"?
Use "diplomatic" when the goal is to handle a sensitive matter tactfully and avoid causing offence, even if that means softening how the truth is put. "Honest" emphasises full truthfulness, so the two can pull in opposite directions when a blunt statement might upset someone.
What nouns commonly follow "diplomatic"?
"Diplomatic" often precedes nouns such as "diplomatic relations," "diplomatic immunity," "diplomatic mission," and "diplomatic solution." In the tactful sense, people also speak of a "diplomatic answer" or "diplomatic silence."
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