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

This will be seen by many in the region as Tehran's response to its military and diplomatic setbacks in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza in recent months.

From BBC

The status of the sculptures has been a source of diplomatic tension between the UK and Greece for decades.

From BBC

The status of the Elgin Marbles - also known as the Parthenon Sculptures - has been a source of diplomatic tension between the UK and Greece for decades.

From BBC

There is diplomatic pressure to change the policy too.

From BBC

The diplomatic red carpet will be rolled out for a state visit by the Emir of Qatar, with the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales delivering a royal welcome on Tuesday morning.

From BBC

Related Words

• conciliatory
• gracious
• polite
• strategic