First Known Use: 1711
Dictionary
diplomatic
adjective dip·lo·mat·ic \ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik\
: involving the work of maintaining good relations between the governments of different countries : of or relating to diplomats or their work
: not causing bad feelings : having or showing an ability to deal with people politely
Full Definition of DIPLOMATIC
1
a : paleographic b : exactly reproducing the original <a diplomatic edition>
3
: employing tact and conciliation especially in situations of stress
— dip·lo·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of DIPLOMATIC
in sense 1, from New Latin diplomaticus, from Latin diplomat-, diploma; in other senses, from French diplomatique connected with documents regulating international relations, from New Latin diplomaticus
Related to DIPLOMATIC
Synonym Discussion of DIPLOMATIC
suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction <a suave public relations coordinator>. urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience <an urbane traveler>. diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully <a diplomatic negotiator>. bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities <a bland master of ceremonies>. smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity <a smooth salesman>. politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people <a cunningly politic manager>.
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with DIPLOMATIC
achromatic, acrobatic, aerobatic, anabatic, antistatic, aromatic, Asiatic, astigmatic, autocratic, automatic, bureaucratic, charismatic, cinematic, democratic, Eleatic, emblematic, enzymatic, Hanseatic, hieratic, Hippocratic, hydrostatic, kerygmatic, kleptocratic, melismatic, mobocratic, monocratic, morganatic, numismatic, operatic, phallocratic, photostatic, plutocratic, pre-Socratic, problematic, programmatic, symptomatic, systematic, technocratic, theocratic, thermostatic, undogmatic, undramatic
DIPLOMATIC Defined for Kids
diplomatic
adjective dip·lo·mat·ic \ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik\
Definition of DIPLOMATIC for Kids
1
: of or relating to keeping good relations between the governments of different countries
2
: not causing bad feelings <a diplomatic answer> <a diplomatic manager>
— dip·lo·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-kə-lē\ adverb <He resolved the situation diplomatically.>
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