noun
emissary
EH-mihs-ree
Emissary (noun) means a person sent on a mission to represent or negotiate on behalf of someone else. Example: “The president sent an emissary to open talks with the rebels.”
noun
1
A person sent on a mission to represent or negotiate on behalf of someone else.
"The president sent an emissary to open talks with the rebels."
"She acted as an emissary between the two feuding families."
"The small group around Ch’en Tu-hsiu that had remained at headquarters hastily sent an emissary—Chang Kuo-t’ao—to Nanch’ang. Though Chang set out immediately, he did not reach Nanch’ang until July 31, the day before the rising."
— Conrad Brandt, A Defeat out of Victory and a Devil out of the Machine (1958)
How to use emissary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone sent to represent or deliver a message on another's behalf.
Common pairings
send an emissary
act as an emissary
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Word forms
- Plural
- emissaries
Fill the gap
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The president sent an _____ to open talks with the rebels.
Etymology
From Latin emissarius, "agent" or "spy," from emittere, "to send out."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for emissary
See all rhymes for emissary →Frequently asked questions
What does “emissary” mean?
The word “emissary” means a person sent on a mission to represent or negotiate on behalf of someone else. In plain terms, someone sent to represent or deliver a message on another's behalf.
How do you pronounce “emissary”?
“Emissary” is pronounced EH-mihs-ree (/ˈɛmɪˌsɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “emissary” in a sentence?
Here is “emissary” used in a sentence: “The president sent an emissary to open talks with the rebels.”
What part of speech is “emissary”?
“Emissary” is a noun.
Where does the word “emissary” come from?
The word “emissary” comes from Latin. From Latin emissarius, "agent" or "spy," from emittere, "to send out.".
