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protocol

PROH-tuh-kol /ˈproʊtəkɔːl/

nounB2GMATTOEFLIELTS

formalprofessional

The official system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions; an established code of procedure.

Highly structured, codified rules of behavior, especially in diplomacy, military, or scientific contexts.

The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, the prōtokollon was the very first sheet of papyrus glued onto a scroll. It contained the table of contents, the date, and the official stamp of authenticity. From this 'first glued sheet,' the word evolved to mean the official summary of a treaty, and eventually, the strict rules governing how treaties and state affairs are conducted.

Word relationships

procedure: Procedure is a general series of actions conducted in a certain order, while protocol specifically implies official, formal, or diplomatic rules.

informality: Informality is the absence of rigid rules or official procedures.

Commonly confused with

prototype: A prototype is a first or preliminary model of something, while a protocol is a system of rules.

Word family

protocolary (adjective): Relating to or prescribed by protocol.

Collocations

diplomatic protocol
follow protocol
breach of protocol

Example sentences

"According to royal protocol, you must not turn your back on the Queen." Describing royal etiquette

Memory hook

Think of 'proto' (first) and 'col' (like a column or collection of rules). The first rules you must follow. The first (proto) rules glued (kolla) to the system.

When not to use

Don't use for casual, informal manners between friends.

Fun facts

In computer networking, a 'protocol' is a set of rules that governs how data is transmitted, directly borrowing the diplomatic concept of structured communication.