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

Other Word Forms

• diplomatically adverb
• nondiplomatic adjective
• prediplomatic adjective
• quasi-diplomatic adjective
• undiplomatic 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

Hungarian spies attempting to recruit EU officials operated under diplomatic cover at the country's permanent representation to the bloc, said the investigation.

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The strike caused a diplomatic uproar that ultimately set the stage for a deal to end the war.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

At the same time, Australia’s left-leaning government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to thaw diplomatic ties with China, its largest trading partner.

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India, he said, has always seen its energy security as tied to its diplomatic relationships.

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Kelly, the White House deputy press secretary, said India and the U.S. remain in close contact on a range of diplomatic, defense and commercial priorities.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• conciliatory 
• gracious 
• polite 
• strategic