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protocol

PROH-tuh-kawl /ˈproʊtəkɔːl/

nounB2SATTOEFLIELTS

formalofficialtechnical

The official system of rules and acceptable behavior on official occasions; an amendment or supplementary agreement to an international treaty.

Refers to strict etiquette, seating plans, and procedural codes governing interaction between foreign dignitaries.

The story behind the word. From Greek 'protokollon', meaning 'the first sheet glued' to a manuscript roll. This first sheet contained summary notes, the date, and authentication details. It evolved through Medieval Latin and French to mean legal records and eventually formal rules of state etiquette.

Word relationships

etiquette: Refers to conventional social decorum, while protocol refers to formal state or legal codes.
procedure: A sequence of steps to perform a task, lacking protocol's specific emphasis on diplomatic status and hierarchy.

informality: Lack of rigid order or official procedure.
impropriety: Failure to observe correct standards or procedures.

Commonly confused with

treaty: A treaty is the main sovereign agreement; a protocol is an auxiliary document detailing procedural terms or additions.

Word family

protocolary (adjective): Relating to official protocol.

Collocations

diplomatic protocol
breach of protocol
follow protocol
signed a protocol

Example sentences

"According to diplomatic protocol, the visiting head of state was greeted at the airport by the chief of foreign affairs." Diplomatic Etiquette
"The Kyoto Protocol was established as an extension to the international framework convention on climate change." International Treaties

Memory hook

PRO (first) + TOCOL (glued sheet): the first glued page of rules. The glue holding diplomatic order together.

When not to use

Do not use for casual social manners or informal gatherings among friends.

Fun facts

In computer networking, a 'protocol' uses the same diplomatic concept: strict rules that allow different systems to communicate smoothly.