English · Culture & Society
diplomacy
/dɪˈpləʊ.mə.si/
[/dɪˈpləʊ.mə.si/]
managing international relations
Advancednoun
Definition
The work of managing relations between countries through negotiation rather than force. It also means skill in handling sensitive situations tactfully.
Example
Skilled diplomacy helped the two rivals avoid war and sign a lasting trade agreement.
Skilled diplomacy helped the two rivals avoid war and sign a lasting trade agreement.
Etymology
From French 'diplomatie', from 'diplomate', from Greek 'diplōma' (folded document).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in international relations and, figuratively, for tact.