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diplomacy

DIP-luh-may-see /ˈdɪpləˌmeɪsi/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalpolitical

The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad.

Emphasizes negotiation, tact, and strategic communication between states to resolve issues, build alliances, and prevent conflict, often through official channels.

The story behind the word. The word 'diplomacy' comes from the French 'diplomatie', which itself derives from the Greek 'diploma'. A 'diploma' originally referred to a 'folded paper' or 'document folded in two', specifically official documents like treaties or passports. These documents were carried by envoys, and thus the term evolved to describe the art of managing relations through such official papers and representatives.

Word relationships

statecraft: Statecraft is the skillful management of state affairs, often broader than diplomacy, which specifically focuses on international relations.
negotiation: Negotiation is the process of discussion to reach an agreement, a key component of diplomacy.
arbitration: Arbitration involves a third party making a binding decision, while diplomacy focuses on direct negotiation between parties.

warfare: The use of military force, often seen as a failure of diplomacy.
aggression: Hostile action that bypasses diplomatic channels.

Commonly confused with

politics: Politics is the art of governing and managing public affairs within a state; diplomacy is the art of managing relations between states.

Word family

diplomat (noun): An official representing a country abroad.
diplomatic (adjective): Of or concerning diplomacy; tactful.

Collocations

international diplomacy
shuttle diplomacy
quiet diplomacy
bilateral diplomacy
diplomacy efforts

Example sentences

"Years of patient diplomacy were required to bring the two rival nations to the negotiating table and eventually sign a peace treaty." International relations.
"Her excellent diplomacy skills allowed her to navigate complex corporate mergers with grace and efficiency." Describing a skill.

Memory hook

Think of 'diplomas' as official documents exchanged by 'diplomats' in their work of 'diplomacy'. Official Documents

When not to use

Do not use 'diplomacy' for informal personal interactions; it refers specifically to official state-to-state relations.

Fun facts

The concept of diplomatic immunity, protecting diplomats from prosecution under the laws of the host country, dates back centuries and is codified in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.