diplomatic
Careful with words
Diplomatic describes conduct or speech that is tactful and sensitive to others' feelings, especially in delicate situations: She gave a diplomatic answer that avoided offending anyone.
The word derives from diplomacy—the art of managing international relations—where careful communication prevents conflict.
A diplomatic person navigates social tensions skillfully.
In its literal sense, diplomatic refers to official relations between nations: diplomatic immunity, diplomatic channels.
Careful to avoid notice
- courteousShowing respectful consideration
- politeShowing good manners
- considerateMindful of others' needs
- subtleNot immediately obvious
delicate · judicious · gracious · measured · careful · circumspect · sensitive · poised
Official diplomatic residence abroad
- ambassadorOfficial foreign representative
- envoyAccredited diplomatic representative
- delegationTransferring responsibility downward
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
bilateral · multilateral · international · geopolitics · extraterritoriality · visa · expatriate · corps
Binding pact between nations
- talksSpeaks with others
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- arbitrationNon-court binding dispute resolution
accord · pact · compromise · dialogue · reconciliation · bargaining · conciliation · peace
discreet
Careful to avoid notice
- courteousShowing respectful consideration
- politeShowing good manners
- considerateMindful of others' needs
subtle · delicate · judicious · gracious · measured · careful · circumspect · sensitive · poised · composed
embassy
Official diplomatic residence abroad
- ambassadorOfficial foreign representative
- envoyAccredited diplomatic representative
- delegationTransferring responsibility downward
sovereignty · bilateral · multilateral · international · geopolitics · extraterritoriality · visa · expatriate · corps · mission
treaty
Binding pact between nations
arbitration · accord · pact · compromise · dialogue · reconciliation · bargaining · conciliation · peace · ceasefire
- mannersetiquette, manners, polite, rude, politeness
- gentlegentle, mild, soft, tender, meek
- professional fieldsmedical, legal, technical, financial, scientific
- speaking stylesarticulate, blunt, candid, conversational, casual
- confrontation styleaggressive, passive, assertive, avoidant, hostile
- refinedrefined, polite, proper, gracious, elegant
diplomatictactless
Insensitive in manner
rude · undiplomatic · impolite · discourteous · blunt
diplomaticunofficial
Not formally recognized
informal · private · civilian · unsanctioned · back-channel
- diplomatic serviceState department abroad
- diplomatic negotiationOfficial discussion between nations
- diplomatic resolutionConflict ended through talks
- diplomatic relationsFormal state interactions
- diplomatic interventionFormal governmental conflict resolution
- British diplomatCrown representative abroad
diplomat, diplomats, undiplomatic, diplomatically, diplomatic immunity, diplomatic missions, diplomatic relations, undiplomatically, diplomatic mission