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

However the talks which led to the joint statement on establishing full diplomatic relations took just 29 days.

From Axios

The United States normalizes diplomatic relations with China.

From MIT Technology Review

On Monday, Kushner told reporters that establishing diplomatic ties with Israel was in Saudi Arabia’s interests, even though such public comments only discomfit Riyadh.

From Ozy

Since then, an internal struggle has been under way for control of the country — a struggle that has turned into a proxy war involving Russia and Turkey, with military, financial or diplomatic support divided among at least seven other countries.

From Ozy

Among these campaigns, the Sixth Crusade is noteworthy because it actually allowed the namesake Kingdom of Jerusalem to retain control of significant parts of Jerusalem for 15 years through diplomatic efforts, as opposed to military successes.

From Realm of History

“People are generally diplomatic,” says Steinbrick of regulars dealing with the surge of new faces.

From The Daily Beast

Fred Logevall at Cornell won the Pulitzer Prize and is a diplomatic historian; he just started a book on Kennedy.

From The Daily Beast

Right now it looks like the diplomatic equivalent of one hand clapping.

From The Daily Beast

President Obama defends his decision to normalize ties with Cuba and defends his diplomatic record.

From The Daily Beast

Given the potential for a cyber tit-for-tat to escalate, Obama has even more incentive to find a diplomatic solution.

From The Daily Beast

Uncle David had none of that small diplomatic genius that helps to make a good attorney.

From Project Gutenberg

The box of the diplomatic corps was just opposite us, and our gay little Mrs. F. sat in it dressed in white satin.

From Project Gutenberg

The diplomatic section shall negotiate with the foreign cabinets the recognition of belligerency and Philippine independence.

From Project Gutenberg

This pretty, resolute, sharp girl had suddenly become an important piece in the great game of diplomatic chess.

From Project Gutenberg

The different motions or interferences of the members of the diplomatic body scarcely concern this period.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conciliatory
• gracious
• polite
• strategic