diplomat
Americannoun
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a person appointed by a national government to conduct official negotiations and maintain political, economic, and social relations with another country or countries.
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a person who is tactful and skillful in managing delicate situations, handling people, etc.
noun
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an official, such as an ambassador or first secretary, engaged in diplomacy
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a person who deals with people tactfully or skilfully
Etymology
Origin of diplomat
First recorded in 1805–15; from French diplomate, back formation from diplomatique diplomatic
Explanation
A diplomat is a person who helps people who have differing points of view find common ground. In government, a diplomat is an official who represents his or her country in other nations. The noun diplomat is related to the word diploma, from the Greek diploun, meaning “to fold double.” A diploma is an official paper — something diplomats carry on behalf of their governments. They know about all sides of an issue, which is helpful in times of conflict. You are a diplomat, if caught between Yankees and Red Sox fans, you get them to talk about hockey instead.
Vocabulary lists containing diplomat
English Words Derived from French, List 1
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Government
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"Why Exploring the Ocean Is Mankind's Next Giant Leap," Vocabulary from the commentary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As one actual diplomat put it after watching Season 1, “This was helpful. Now my parents understand what I do.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
"It's unclear how this will work, and it won't affect many people," said a European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
As a diplomat, he’s exempt from British taxation.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Also Thursday, the United Kingdom announced it had summoned Israel's most senior diplomat in Britain following "the inflammatory video".
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
The greatest American scientist, the most deft diplomat, the most accomplished prose stylist, the sharpest wit, Franklin defied all the categories by inhabiting them all with such distinction and nonchalant grace.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
