diplomatic

[dip-luh-mat-ik]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in diplomacy.

   diplomatic officials.

2. skilled in dealing with sensitive matters or people; tactful.

   a counselor who is at all times diplomatic with at-risk students and their parents.

   Antonyms: tactless, blunt

3. of or relating to diplomatics.

   Much of her diplomatic research involves the private correspondence of President Van Buren.

diplomatic

/ ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to diplomacy or diplomats

2. skilled in negotiating, esp between states or people

3. tactful in dealing with people

4. of or relating to diplomatics

Other Word Forms

• diplomatically adverb
• nondiplomatic adjective
• prediplomatic adjective
• quasi-diplomatic adjective
• undiplomatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diplomatic¹

First recorded in 1705–15; from French diplomatique, from New Latin diplōmaticus, equivalent to Latin diplōmat- (stem of diplōma ) diploma + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of diplomatic¹

C18: from French diplomatique concerning the documents of diplomacy, from New Latin diplōmaticus; see _diploma

Synonym Study

Diplomatic, politic, tactful imply ability to avoid offending others or hurting their feelings, especially in situations where this ability is important. Diplomatic suggests a smoothness and skill in handling others, usually in such a way as to attain one's own ends and yet avoid any unpleasantness or opposition: By diplomatic conduct he avoided antagonizing anyone. Politic emphasizes expediency or prudence in looking out for one's own interests, thus knowing how to treat people of different types and on different occasions: a truth which it is not politic to insist on. Tactful suggests a nice touch in the handling of delicate matters or situations, and, unlike the other two, often suggests a sincere desire not to hurt the feelings of others: a tactful way of correcting someone.

Example Sentences

Flashy diplomatic overtures to Moscow appeared to be backfiring.

From Los Angeles Times

Using diplomatic coalitions, and trade diversification is India's best bet to "build pressure" on Washington, he says, keeping the option of targeted retaliation only as a measure of last resort.

From BBC

If there is a diplomatic price, it appears to be one he is – for the moment – willing to pay.

From BBC

The 2020 Abraham Accords, which were brokered by the US, saw the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.

From BBC

Kim’s growing diplomatic ambitions have in recent years involved a defense pact with Russia and the deployment of North Korean soldiers to the war in Ukraine in exchange for technological and military assistance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conciliatory 
• gracious 
• polite 
• strategic