diplomatic

[ dip-luh-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in diplomacy:

   diplomatic officials.

2. skilled in dealing with sensitive matters or people; tactful:

   a counselor who is at all times diplomatic with at-risk students and their parents.

   Antonyms: tactless, blunt

3. of or relating to diplomatics:

   Much of her diplomatic research involves the private correspondence of President Van Buren.

diplomatic

/ ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to diplomacy or diplomats
2. skilled in negotiating, esp between states or people
3. tactful in dealing with people
4. of or relating to diplomatics

Derived Forms

• ˌdiploˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

• dip·lo·mat·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·dip·lo·mat·ic adjective
• pre·dip·lo·mat·ic adjective
• qua·si-dip·lo·mat·ic adjective
• un·dip·lo·mat·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diplomatic¹

First recorded in 1705–15; from French diplomatique, from New Latin diplōmaticus, equivalent to Latin diplōmat- (stem of diplōma ) diploma + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of diplomatic¹

C18: from French diplomatique concerning the documents of diplomacy, from New Latin diplōmaticus; see diploma

Synonym Study

Diplomatic, politic, tactful imply ability to avoid offending others or hurting their feelings, especially in situations where this ability is important. Diplomatic suggests a smoothness and skill in handling others, usually in such a way as to attain one's own ends and yet avoid any unpleasantness or opposition: By diplomatic conduct he avoided antagonizing anyone. Politic emphasizes expediency or prudence in looking out for one's own interests, thus knowing how to treat people of different types and on different occasions: a truth which it is not politic to insist on. Tactful suggests a nice touch in the handling of delicate matters or situations, and, unlike the other two, often suggests a sincere desire not to hurt the feelings of others: a tactful way of correcting someone.

Example Sentences

Details remained unclear but in an apparent sign of progress, Amos Hochstein, who has led the Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts, was expected to return to Beirut on Tuesday.

From BBC

But he has also participated in the incoming president's diplomatic efforts.

From BBC

Musk has taken part in other diplomatic meetings between Trump and world leaders since Election Day.

From Salon

He added that Ukraine "must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means".

From BBC

The US does not have diplomatic relations with Tehran but a private meeting with Musk provided a workaround, allowing Iran to avoid a meeting with an American official, according to the New York Times.

From BBC

Related Words

• conciliatory
• gracious
• polite
• strategic