diplomat

American  

[dip-luh-mat] / ˈdɪp ləˌmæt /

noun

• diplomats
  plural

1. a person appointed by a national government to conduct official negotiations and maintain political, economic, and social relations with another country or countries.

2. a person who is tactful and skillful in managing delicate situations, handling people, etc.

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diplomat British  

/ ˈdɪpləˌmæt /

noun

1. an official, such as an ambassador or first secretary, engaged in diplomacy

2. a person who deals with people tactfully or skilfully

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• diplomats
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of diplomat

First recorded in 1805–15; from French diplomate, back formation from diplomatique diplomatic

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

diplomat diplomats

Powell began his government career as a diplomat but later served as an adviser in Tony Blair's government, where he was credited with negotiating a peace deal in Northern Ireland.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

On Friday, former US diplomat Dr Richard Haass told BBC News NI that Northern Ireland had "failed" to come to terms with the legacy of its past.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

America's top diplomat testified at the trial in March that Rivera had once been a "close friend" and that the two shared an apartment when they were Florida lawmakers.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

“I always give credit to my predecessors,” the conductor, ever the diplomat, said of the present state of his ensemble.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

Some Argie diplomat in New York, still harping on about the Belgrano being outside the zone, said Britain no longer rules the waves, it just waives the rules.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Workers in the city’s financial district, students at some international schools and diplomats were ordered to evacuate or take shelter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026

Earlier this month, Ethiopia expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and shut its embassy in Asmara, while Eritrea responded that it would "sever all diplomatic ties".

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

Both Saar and British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said that a small team of diplomats would remain at the building, though it will be stripped of its consular name.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Diplomats stationed in the Saudi capital were sheltering in place and international schools took safety measures on Thursday, diplomats and residents told AFP, after explosions echoed across the city.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

He now earns his living by transporting anyone, including secret agents and diplomats, across the Potomac River.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly

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Related Words

• agent
• envoy
• expert
• mediator
• minister
• negotiator
• representative

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