Meaning & use
diplomatic
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Careful to say and do things in a way that avoids upsetting people or starting arguments.
Grammar: Can follow a linking verb or come before a noun: she was diplomatic; a diplomatic reply.
Patterns
- be diplomatic about something
- a diplomatic answer
He was diplomatic about the cold soup and simply asked for tea.
A diplomatic manager knows when to stay quiet in a heated meeting.
Her diplomatic reply let both sides save face.
adjectivenot comparableformal
Connected with the work of governments in managing their relations with other countries.
Grammar: Always goes before a noun: a diplomatic mission, not a mission that is very diplomatic.
Patterns
- diplomatic relations with a country
- a diplomatic mission
The two countries restored diplomatic relations after ten years.
The ambassador was granted diplomatic immunity.
Officials hope for a diplomatic solution to the border dispute.
Word forms
| comparative | more diplomatic |
|---|---|
| superlative | most diplomatic |
Common combinations
- diplomatic relations
- Both nations agreed to establish diplomatic relations.
- diplomatic immunity
- The driver claimed diplomatic immunity after the accident.
- diplomatic solution
- Leaders still hope for a diplomatic solution rather than sanctions.
- diplomatic way
- Is there a more diplomatic way to tell him his draft needs work?
- diplomatic incident
- The leaked memo caused a minor diplomatic incident.
Synonyms and how they differ
- tactful
- Tactful describes sensitivity in personal dealings only, whereas diplomatic can also refer to relations between countries.
- discreet
- Discreet stresses keeping private matters quiet, while diplomatic stresses smoothing over disagreement.
- politic
- Politic is more formal and suggests a wise, calculated choice, as in a politic silence.
- smooth
- Smooth can sound slightly insincere, which diplomatic usually does not.
Opposites
Word family
- diplomat noun
- an official who represents a country abroad, or a tactful person
- diplomacy noun
- managing relations between countries, or tact in dealing with people
- diplomatically adverb
- in a tactful way
- undiplomatic adjective
- lacking tact
Commonly confused: diplomatic or diplomat?
diplomatic vs diplomat
A diplomat is a person; diplomatic is the adjective. You say a diplomatic answer but a skilled diplomat.
Practice
Her boss asked what she thought of the plan. Which reply is the most diplomatic?
Choose one answer.
A diplomatic reply voices a concern gently while keeping goodwill. The other options are rude or dismissive.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “diplomatic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.