diplomacy
dih-PLOH-muh-see
/dɪˈploʊməsi/
The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country's representatives abroad.
Refers to tactful communication and strategic negotiation between nations or organizations to maintain peace and advance national interests.
The story behind the word. The term traces back to the Greek 'diploma', referring to an official folded document or license granted to travelers. In 18th-century France, 'diplomatique' came to mean matters relating to official state documents and archives. Eventually, English adopted 'diplomacy' to describe the management of international negotiations carried out by accredited officials carrying state credentials.
Word relationships
- statesmanship: Focuses more on the wisdom and skill of political leaders rather than the formal system of foreign relations.
- tact: Refers to interpersonal delicacy and sensitivity in general social interactions rather than state relations.
- belligerence: Aggressive, warlike behavior that rejects peaceful negotiations.
- hostility: Active opposition or enmity between parties without attempts at negotiation.
Commonly confused with
- statecraft: Statecraft is the broader art of governing a state effectively, whereas diplomacy specifically concerns managing relations with foreign states.
Word family
- diplomat (noun): An official representing a country abroad.
- diplomatic (adjective): Relating to diplomacy, or showing tact and skill in dealing with people.
- diplomatically (adverb): In a manner that shows tact or relates to international relations.
Collocations
- shuttle diplomacy
- quiet diplomacy
- gunboat diplomacy
- diplomacy breakdown
Idioms & expressions
- diplomacy by other means
Example sentences
- "Quiet diplomacy achieved what military threats could not, persuading both nations to withdraw their forces from the disputed border." Historical International Relations
- "Diplomacy is the art of letting somebody else have your way." Classic Literature Citation (Attributed to Sir Cradock Hartopp)
Memory hook
Think of a DIPLOMA given to an official ambassador who travels abroad to represent their nation. Folded paper credentials that power international peace.
When not to use
Do not use to describe informal personal gossip or everyday casual conversation.
Fun facts
- The term 'ping-pong diplomacy' was coined in 1971 when American table tennis players visited China, paving the way for Nixon's famous visit.
Explore more words
diplomat, diplomatic, statecraft, negotiate, negotiation, dialogue
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