diplomatic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diplomatic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of communication that is tactful, sensitive, or skillful in dealing with people, especially in difficult situations. Example: "She handled the negotiation in a diplomatic way, ensuring that both parties felt heard and respected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to western and Hungarian diplomats in Budapest, Orbán is planning to purge the diplomatic service, culling up to three-quarters of Hungary's ambassadors.

The Guardian

Diplomats said Brahimi would first visit Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, all regional diplomatic heavyweights, for consultations before heading to Damascus.

The Guardian

Any news from the diplomatic rooms particularly creates volatility in Iran's currency market.

The Guardian

Relations with west: Putin said the west must respect Russia's interests if it wants to normalise diplomatic relations.

The Guardian

These eddies of trouble, the revival of secondary disputes and the mixture of economic policy with diplomatic grievances and popular rhetoric all echo the atmosphere of the early 1930s.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prime minister will not get a substantive renegotiation of the UK's terms of membership before 2017, so the referendum question will not be about his supposed diplomatic triumph but rather: "Do you want to stay in the present EU, with all its deficiencies and problems?" The referendum will cause grave financial and economic instability and make the UK a laughing stock across the globe.

The Guardian

He told the Lowy Institute the milestone was proof the west's diplomatic pressure and sanctions against Russia – which is backing separatist rebels in the east – were bearing fruit.

The Guardian

Julian Borger, the Guardian's diplomatic editor, has now filed a piece about it (which you can read in full here).

The Guardian

A diplomatic response but one which reflects his mindset; for all Liverani's history, immediate ambitions at Brisbane Road are clearly dominating his thoughts.

The Guardian - Sport

Sekeramayi was more circumspect in direct diplomatic discussions but made it clear that the massacres were no accident.

The Guardian

In a statement shortly following the law was passed, the government said that "South Africa takes note of the recent developments regarding the situation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex persons (LGBTI) worldwide….[and] will, through existing diplomatic channels, be seeking clarification on these developments from many capitals around the world".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diplomatic" to describe communication that is tactful and avoids causing offense, especially in sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid using "diplomatic" to describe everyday social interactions where simple tact or courtesy would be more appropriate. "Diplomatic" implies a level of formality and strategic intent not present in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "diplomatic" primarily functions to describe something related to diplomacy, the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it modifies nouns like "service", "relations", and "pressure" to specify their association with international affairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diplomatic" is a versatile adjective most commonly found within formal contexts such as news, business and international relations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its primary function in describing matters related to diplomacy and international affairs. When writing, it's best to reserve "diplomatic" to interactions needing sensitivity and skill in handling relationships, rather than overuse it in casual settings. Related terms like "tactful" and "negotiating" provide alternative ways to convey its essence, while avoiding potential misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tactful

Emphasizes skill in dealing with sensitive matters to avoid offense.

tactful communication

Highlights the method of expressing ideas with sensitivity and skill.

negotiating

Highlights the act of discussing to reach an agreement.

international relations

Focuses on broad interactions and relations among countries.

intergovernmental

Focuses on relations between governments.

courteous

Focuses on politeness and respect in interactions.

ambassadorial

Relates specifically to the role and function of an ambassador.

state

More generic reference to a government.

foreign policy

Concentrates on a nation's strategies in dealing with other countries.

politically correct

Emphasizes avoiding offense through careful language.

FAQs

How is the word "diplomatic" typically used?

The word "diplomatic" is generally used to describe interactions between countries or individuals that require tact, negotiation, and an understanding of protocol. It's often used in contexts related to international relations, politics, or sensitive negotiations.

What are some synonyms for "diplomatic"?

Some synonyms for "diplomatic" include "tactful", "politic", "courteous", and "strategic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the word "diplomatic"?

It is appropriate to use "diplomatic" when describing situations that require sensitivity and skill in handling relationships, especially where there is potential for disagreement or conflict. This can include international negotiations, delicate business dealings, or managing interpersonal conflicts with care.

What is the difference between "diplomatic" and "tactful"?

"Diplomatic" often implies a formal or official context, particularly in international relations or complex negotiations, requiring strategic maneuvering. "Tactful", on the other hand, generally refers to being considerate and avoiding offense in personal interactions and sensitive situations.