WordGarden.iodiplomat
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɪpləmˌæt/
US
- /ˈdɪpləˌmæt/
Meanings
Noun
an official who represents a country in relations with other governments
a person who handles people or difficult situations tactfully
Beyond the definition
A diplomat isn't just someone who attends fancy parties (though they often do!). They are skilled at handling sensitive situations and representing their country or organization—think of them as professional negotiators. Diplomats use careful language, patience, and negotiation to build relationships and solve problems without resorting to conflict. You might see a diplomat working at an embassy, helping negotiate a trade agreement between two countries, or mediating a dispute during an international crisis. They're masters of reading the room and finding common ground.
Diplomacy isn't limited to governments, either! A skilled manager who can resolve conflicts within their team is acting as a kind of "internal diplomat." Think of it as the art of getting along—even when things are tough. The word itself comes from the Greek diploma, meaning "folded paper," referring to the official documents diplomats used to carry.
A diplomat is an individual appointed by a government (or sometimes an international organization) to represent their country or organization in dealings with other nations and their officials. They're more than just messengers; they are skilled negotiators and communicators tasked with fostering positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and protecting their nation's interests through peaceful means.
The role of a diplomat is incredibly nuanced. It requires not only deep knowledge of international affairs but also exceptional tact, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust. They must be able to navigate complex political landscapes, understand different perspectives, and find solutions that benefit all parties involved. A successful diplomat can prevent misunderstandings from escalating into full-blown conflicts.
Diplomacy isn't always about grand treaties and formal negotiations. It can also involve everyday interactions—attending cultural events, building personal relationships with foreign officials, and quietly working behind the scenes to promote understanding.
Diplomats may have a special status known as "diplomatic immunity," which gives them legal protections in the host country under international agreements. This helps them do their work without intimidation or unfair pressure. While often associated with embassies and international summits, the principles of diplomacy—careful communication, respectful negotiation, and a commitment to peaceful resolution—are valuable skills in any field where people interact and collaborate. In everyday speech, you might call a tactful person a diplomat because they can say difficult things without causing offense.
Examples
- 1
Overseas posting
She worked as a diplomat in Tokyo for six years.
- 2
Official event
Several foreign diplomats attended the state dinner.
- 3
Career role
He is a career diplomat, not a politician.
- Phrasecareer diplomat
someone who has spent their working life in diplomacy
- 4
Tactful response
She handled the complaint like a diplomat and calmed everyone down.
- Phraselike a diplomat
in a calm, tactful way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Family conflict
In our family, my brother is the diplomat whenever two people stop speaking to each other.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- private citizen
- military officer
Used with (collocations)
- career diplomat
- senior diplomat
- foreign diplomat
- top diplomat
Word family
Explore
- foreign service
- diplomatic immunity
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- diplomatnoun
Forms
- diplomatspluralnoun