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

He has previously served with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command within the Metropolitan Police.

From BBC

Bahrain and the UK have strong diplomatic, political and military relations.

From BBC

While Trump has yet to officially name his choice for secretary of state, Florida Senator Marco Rubio – another China hawk – appears to be the leading contender for the top diplomatic job.

From BBC

He also secured the Abraham Accords in 2020 which saw the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco establish full diplomatic relations with Israel and Sudan agree to do so.

From BBC

It may even spur them to make diplomatic overtures on broader issues; Iran’s currency, the rial, already in dismal shape, dropped precipitously the day after the American election.

From Slate

Related Words

• conciliatory
• gracious
• polite
• strategic