diplomatically

American  

[dip-luh-mat-ik-lee] / ˌdɪp ləˈmæt ɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that relates to or makes use of diplomacy, or negotiations and other relations between nations.

   Earlier, attempts had been made to solve the dispute diplomatically through the Organization of American States.

2. delicately or tactfully, so as not to offend.

   Even negative opinions or criticism can be framed positively and diplomatically.

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Other Word Forms

• nondiplomatically
  adverb
• quasi-diplomatically
  adverb
• undiplomatically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of diplomatically

diplomatic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

Leo's comments, although delivered diplomatically, represented an open critique unheard of in a country accused of stifling freedom of expression.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

“When it comes to VHS, I can certainly say that it has to be nostalgia,” he says, diplomatically.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

I once ordered it at a chain restaurant that shall remain diplomatically unnamed, only to discover that it was functionally identical to the toddler’s mac and cheese at our table.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Pascal Confavreux, a ministry spokesman, phrased it more diplomatically: “We use irony and humor to deliver a punch and create deterrence by exposing the absurdity of the claims made by those who attack us.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

“I don’t know, sir,” the chaplain answered diplomatically, with an uneasy stammer.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller