diplomacy
dih-PLOH-muh-see
/dɪˈploʊməsi/
The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations through negotiation and tact.
Emphasizes peaceful communication, compromise, and strategic dialogue rather than military force or coercion.
The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, a 'diploma' was an official paper folded in half that granted official privileges or credentials to travelers. Representatives carrying these official folded documents came to be known as diplomats, and their art of negotiating state treaties became known as diplomacy.
Word relationships
- negotiation: Negotiation is the specific process of bargaining, whereas diplomacy encompasses broader statecraft, tact, and relationship management.
- tact: Tact is interpersonal sensitivity, while diplomacy refers to formal state-level negotiations and international affairs.
- belligerence: Belligerence is an aggressive, warlike attitude, opposing diplomatic negotiation.
- hostility: Hostility involves open antagonism rather than strategic dialogue.
Commonly confused with
- appeasement: Diplomacy is balanced, strategic negotiation between states; appeasement is yielding to aggressive demands to avoid conflict.
Word family
- diplomat (noun): An official representing a country abroad.
- diplomatic (adjective): Relating to diplomacy or tactful in dealing with others.
Collocations
- shuttle diplomacy
- diplomatic relations
- conduct diplomacy
- failure of diplomacy
Idioms & expressions
- speak softly and carry a big stick
Example sentences
- "Through quiet diplomacy, foreign envoys secured the release of detained citizens without escalating military tensions." Peace Negotiations
- "Diplomacy is the art of letting somebody else have your way." History
Memory hook
A diplomat carries a DIPLOMA—an official document of peace and negotiation. Folded documents turned peaceful talk.
When not to use
Do not use to describe forceful compliance or raw coercion; it is centered on dialogue and mutual bargaining.
Fun facts
- 'Shuttle diplomacy' was coined in the 1970s when US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger flew repeatedly back and forth between Middle Eastern capitals to negotiate peace agreements.
Related words
Explore more words
diplomat, diplomatic, statecraft, negotiate, negotiation, dialogue
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