diplomatic overtures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diplomatic overtures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe attempts or gestures made by one party to establish or improve relations with another, often in a political or international context. Example: "The country made several diplomatic overtures to ease tensions with its neighbor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

On a day when President Obama told delegates at the United Nations that he welcomed the opportunity posed by diplomatic overtures from Iran's new president, Israeli diplomats in Washington sounded a very different note online, mocking the moderate cleric as scarcely different from his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama wants time for his diplomatic overtures to work.

The New York Times

After clever diplomatic overtures, Ferdinand was elected king of Bohemia (October 23, 1526).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Russia's diplomatic overtures also appear to reflect a struggle over the direction the country will take.

The New York Times

He warned Iran to respond to diplomatic overtures on its nuclear program by year's end.

The New York Times

So what does this mean in the context of President Rouhani's diplomatic overtures?

The Guardian

The government has responded to the sanctions with a combination of military muscle-flexing, defiance and diplomatic overtures.

The New York Times

To keep momentum in the peace process, the administration has continued diplomatic overtures to other Middle East countries.

The New York Times

The author valuably describes how propagandists depict diplomatic overtures by South Korea and America as quaking capitulations.

The Economist

He wondered what kind of signal it sent to pursue a criminal investigation and make diplomatic overtures at the same time.

The New Yorker

Mr. Coons said the main goal of the talks was to assure Mr. Gross that his case remains the main impediment to diplomatic overtures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diplomatic overtures" when referring to specific attempts to establish or improve relationships, especially in sensitive or formal contexts. Be mindful of the potential for the phrase to imply a degree of formality or strategic intent.

Common error

Avoid using "diplomatic overtures" in casual or informal settings. It's generally more appropriate for discussions of international relations, politics, or high-level negotiations. Simpler terms like "attempts to connect" or "efforts to reach out" may be preferable in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diplomatic overtures" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe actions taken to initiate or improve relationships, particularly between states or organizations. It emphasizes the strategic and formal nature of these actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "diplomatic overtures" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term referring to actions taken to establish or improve relationships between entities, especially in the political sphere. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes formal attempts at reconciliation or cooperation. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, and less so in informal communication. When writing, remember to use "diplomatic overtures" in formal settings, and choose simpler alternatives like "diplomatic gestures" or "peace initiatives" for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diplomatic gestures

Emphasizes the actions taken rather than the broader strategy.

diplomatic advances

Highlights the act of moving forward in diplomatic relations.

conciliatory efforts

Highlights the intent to reconcile or appease.

negotiating initiatives

Highlights actions taken to begin or further negotiations.

peace initiatives

Focuses specifically on attempts to establish peace.

peacemaking efforts

Focuses on activities designed to bring about peace.

rapprochement attempts

Specifically refers to attempts to re-establish harmonious relationships.

confidence-building measures

Stresses actions designed to create trust and reduce tension.

goodwill missions

Implies a journey or series of actions undertaken to express positive intentions.

olive branch offerings

Uses a metaphor to describe offering peace or reconciliation.

FAQs

How can I use "diplomatic overtures" in a sentence?

You can use "diplomatic overtures" to describe attempts to establish or improve relations between countries or organizations. For example: "The president made several "diplomatic overtures" to ease tensions with the neighboring country."

What are some alternatives to "diplomatic overtures"?

Alternatives include "diplomatic gestures", "peace initiatives", or "conciliatory efforts". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "diplomatic overtures" and "political negotiations"?

"Diplomatic overtures" are initial steps to build relationships, while "political negotiations" are formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement. Overtures can lead to negotiations.

Is it correct to use "diplomatic overture" in the singular form?

While less common, "diplomatic overture" can be used to describe a single action or gesture. However, "diplomatic overtures" is more frequently used, especially when referring to a series of actions.