diplomacy

Definitions (2)

1nounthe way countries manage relations with each other through talks, agreements, and careful negotiation instead of force

Diplomacy helped the two countries avoid a war.

She wants to work in diplomacy after studying international relations.

Good diplomacy can build trust even between rivals.

2nounskill in dealing with people carefully and politely so you do not upset them

It took diplomacy to tell him his idea needed work.

The teacher handled the argument with great diplomacy.

Family problems sometimes require patience and diplomacy.

Idioms & expressions

gunboat diplomacy, a way of pressuring another country by showing military power

shuttle diplomacy, negotiation in which a person travels back and forth between sides to help them reach agreement

with diplomacy, in a careful and tactful way that avoids offense

diplomatic immunity, special legal protection given to diplomats in a foreign country

diplomatic relations, official relations between governments

Word Origin

Language

French, from Greek

Original word

diplōma

Originally meant

a folded official paper or document

Background

The word first referred to official documents, especially papers giving authority or privilege. From that idea, it later came to mean the work of managing official relations between states through representatives.

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