diplomacy

[dih-ploh-muh-see]

noun

1. the conduct by government officials of negotiations and other relations between nations.

2. the art or science of conducting such negotiations.

3. skill in managing negotiations, handling people, etc., so that there is little or no ill will; tact.

   Seating one's dinner guests often calls for considerable diplomacy.

diplomacy

/ dɪˈpləʊməsɪ /

noun

1. the conduct of the relations of one state with another by peaceful means

2. skill in the management of international relations

3. tact, skill, or cunning in dealing with people

Other Word Forms

• nondiplomacy noun
• prediplomacy noun
• superdiplomacy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diplomacy¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French diplomatie, from diplomat(e) diplomat + -ie -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of diplomacy¹

C18: from French diplomatie, from diplomatique _diplomatic

Example Sentences

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, for example, famously exchanged letters with Mikhail Gorbachev's wife Raisa, and others, such as Pat Nixon and Rosalyn Carter, travelled the world for humanitarian reasons and shuttle diplomacy.

From BBC

They said the lower court setbacks, unless quickly reversed, “gravely undermine the President’s ability to conduct real-world diplomacy and his ability to protect the national security and economy of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

The secretary of State sidestepped a question about whether the action, which critics denounced as illegal under international law, signaled a return to “gunboat diplomacy” in a region where U.S. interventions have historically stoked resentment.

From Los Angeles Times

In his written recommendations to Congress, Farage suggested the US government should use "diplomacy and trade" to defend its position on free speech against the UK.

From BBC

He has accused Russia of not being ready for diplomacy and seeking ways to postpone the end of the war.

From BBC

Related Words

• negotiation