Diplomacy

dɪˈploʊməsi

nounmedium📊CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The art of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad.

dɪˈploʊməsi

nounneutralmedium
Action

The art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states.

The country's diplomacy was crucial in averting a war.

💡 Simply: Diplomacy is like being a super-smart negotiator for countries. It’s how countries talk to each other to solve problems and make agreements without fighting. Imagine two kids wanting the same toy – diplomacy is when they talk it out and find a way to share!

👶 For kids: Diplomacy is like talking nicely to people so you can agree on things. It's like when you want to play with a friend, so you ask them nicely and try to work things out together.

More Examples

2

She has a natural talent for diplomacy, able to mediate conflicts.

3

Diplomacy requires patience and careful consideration.

How It's Used

International Relations

"The peace treaty was a result of skillful diplomacy."

Business

"Successful business deals often depend on effective diplomacy."

2

The ability to handle situations, especially those involving people, in a sensitive and effective way.

dɪˈploʊməsi

nounpositivemedium
Skill

Skill in dealing with people in a tactful and sensitive way.

Her diplomacy smoothed over the disagreement.

💡 Simply: Diplomacy isn't just for countries! It's also about being good at talking to people, making them happy, and solving problems without making things worse. Like when you convince your parents to let you have ice cream *before* dinner.

👶 For kids: Diplomacy is like being polite and nice when you talk to people, so you can make them happy and solve problems.

More Examples

2

It required considerable diplomacy to get them to agree.

3

His diplomacy helped them reach a compromise.

How It's Used

Social Interactions

"His diplomacy helped to defuse a tense situation at the party."

Workplace

"She uses diplomacy to manage conflicts between team members."

Tip:Imagine a diplomat using their *pliability* to avoid conflict.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Diplomatic immunity

Exemption from certain laws, typically granted to diplomats.

"The ambassador was protected by diplomatic immunity."

Diplomatic relations

Formal relationships between countries.

"The two nations severed diplomatic relations."

From French *diplomatie*, from Greek *diplōma* meaning 'folded paper' or 'official document', referring to the credentials of envoys. It evolved to represent the art of conducting international relations.

The term gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the rise of formal international relations and the establishment of diplomatic protocols. It was particularly relevant in the Congress of Vienna.

Memory tip

Think of the diplomats' *pliable* *hands* and *gentle* words.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek and French
Original meaning

"folded paper, official document"

international diplomacyeffective diplomacyskilled diplomacyshuttle diplomacypersonal diplomacy

Common misspellings

diplomaceydiplimacy

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written