diplomacy

diplomacy — noun

1. the work of representing and protecting a country's interests abroad by talking

1.nounB2
Definition

the work of representing and protecting a country's interests abroad by talking and reaching agreements with other governments, especially to prevent conflict or build cooperation

Example

The ambassador used quiet diplomacy to ease tensions between the two neighbours.

quiet diplomacy — informal, behind-the-scenes talks between countries

Camila chose a career in diplomacy after working for the United Nations.

Common collocations
  • international diplomacy
  • quiet diplomacy
  • shuttle diplomacy
  • gunboat diplomacy
  • public diplomacy
  • conduct diplomacy
  • diplomacy between nations
Synonyms
  • negotiations

    more concrete, referring to specific talks rather than the general activity or profession

  • statecraft

    more formal, with a focus on strategic political governance across borders

  • statesmanship

    even more formal, implying wisdom and long-term vision in leadership

Antonyms
  • warfare

    the opposite approach to resolving international disputes — force rather than dialogue

  • conflict

    the breakdown of diplomatic efforts into open disagreement or fighting

Usage Note

Often modified by an adjective describing the approach (quiet diplomacy, gunboat diplomacy, public diplomacy). Frequently used in political journalism and international affairs writing.

Common Mistakes

The diplomacy between the two companies was excellent.
Relations between the two companies were handled with skill.
In this sense, 'diplomacy' refers specifically to international or government-level relations, not business dealings.

2. the ability to handle awkward or sensitive personal situations in a way that avo

2.nounB2
Definition

the ability to handle awkward or sensitive personal situations in a way that avoids making others feel angry, embarrassed, or hurt

Example

Reuben handled the complaint with diplomacy, so the customer left feeling satisfied.

handle with diplomacy — manage a difficult situation politely

When Wei criticised the plan, he did it with enough diplomacy to avoid hurt feelings.

Common collocations
  • with diplomacy
  • require diplomacy
  • need diplomacy
  • use diplomacy
  • great diplomacy
  • real diplomacy
Synonyms
  • tact

    the closest synonym; emphasises knowing what to say or not say to avoid offence

  • discretion

    emphasises keeping things private or choosing the right moment to speak

  • sensitivity

    focuses on being aware of and responsive to other people's feelings

Antonyms
  • bluntness

    saying things directly without care for how they will be received

  • rudeness

    behaviour that deliberately or carelessly offends others

Usage Note

Common in the pattern 'with diplomacy' or 'requires diplomacy'. Frequently used in workplace, social, and family contexts where the speaker is advising careful handling of other people's feelings.

Common Mistakes

She showed great diplomacy in baking the cake.
She showed great diplomacy when she told her friend the cake was dry without sounding rude.
'diplomacy' in this sense is about handling people carefully, not about practical skills or tasks.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Diplomacy is the broadest term, covering the everyday work of maintaining international relationships through dialogue and agreement. Statecraft is more strategic and political — it refers to the overall skill of running a country's foreign affairs at the highest level, often involving difficult long-term decisions. Negotiations are the concrete meetings and talks that make up one tool of diplomacy; you can have negotiations without diplomacy in the broader sense. Statesmanship is the most elevated term, suggesting wisdom, moral vision, and putting national or global interests above short-term gain. A diplomat performs diplomacy every day; a leader practising clever statecraft might be called a statesman only when they show unusual foresight. For everyday learner use: 'diplomacy' is the right word when you mean the general activity. Use 'negotiations' for the specific talks, and reserve 'statecraft' or 'statesmanship' for formal or historical discussion.

diplomacy ↗statecraftnegotiationsstatesmanship

Common collocations

Nouns

  • art of diplomacy
  • lack of diplomacy
  • style of diplomacy
  • years of diplomacy

Adverbs

Phrases

  • use diplomacy to
  • resort to diplomacy
  • rely on diplomacy
  • a matter of diplomacy

Prepositions

  • through diplomacy
  • by diplomacy

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'diploma', meaning an official folded document or letter of recommendation. In French it became 'diplomatie', referring to the study of such documents and, later, to the conduct of international relations. English adopted the word in the late 1700s to describe the work of ambassadors and envoys. The broader sense of 'tact in dealing with people' developed in the mid-1800s.