diplomat

[dip-luh-mat] /ˈdɪp ləˌmæt/
noun
1.
a person appointed by a national government to conduct official negotiations and maintain political, economic, and social relations with another country or countries.
2.
a person who is tactful and skillful in managing delicate situations, handling people, etc.
Origin
1805-15; < French diplomate, back formation from diplomatique diplomatic
Can be confused
diplomat, diplomate.
Examples from the web for diplomat
  • The politician, diplomat and publisher was also a first-grade scientist.
  • Aside from the odd diplomat or journalist, few need a bag carried.
  • Hay had not only the manners of a gentleman, but also the special carriage of a diplomat.
  • Near the railway station, another call seals the fate of a diplomat.
  • And then there's also being a little bit of a diplomat.
  • Lewis, a career diplomat, believed that nations generally do want peace.
  • One diplomat cautions against being overly cynical, however.
  • One western diplomat says they occupied the local radio station, but abandoned it after the authorities cut off the power.
  • His life as a diplomat, an exile, and sometimes a fugitive was not an easy one.
  • NJ restaurateur moonlights as unofficial diplomat.
British Dictionary definitions for diplomat

diplomat

/ˈdɪpləˌmæt/
noun
1.
an official, such as an ambassador or first secretary, engaged in diplomacy
2.
a person who deals with people tactfully or skilfully
Word Origin and History for diplomat
n.

1813, from French diplomate, a back-formation from diplomatique (see diplomatic) on model of aristocrate from aristocratique.