diplomatic

[dip-luh-mat-ik] /ˌdɪp ləˈmæt ɪk/

adjective

of, pertaining to, or engaged in diplomacy:

diplomatic officials.

skilled in dealing with sensitive matters or people; tactful.

of or pertaining to diplomatics.

Origin

1705-15; < French diplomatique < Neo-Latin diplōmaticus, equivalent to Latin diplōmat- (stem of diplōma) diploma + -icus -ic

Related forms

diplomatically, adverb

nondiplomatic, adjective

nondiplomatically, adverb

prediplomatic, adjective

quasi-diplomatic, adjective

quasi-diplomatically, adverb

undiplomatic, adjective

undiplomatically, adverb

Synonyms

2. Diplomatic, politic, tactful imply ability to avoid offending others or hurting their feelings, especially in situations where this ability is important. Diplomatic suggests a smoothness and skill in handling others, usually in such a way as to attain one's own ends and yet avoid any unpleasantness or opposition: By diplomatic conduct he avoided antagonizing anyone. Politic emphasizes expediency or prudence in looking out for one's own interests, thus knowing how to treat people of different types and on different occasions: a truth which it is not politic to insist on. Tactful suggests a nice touch in the handling of delicate matters or situations, and, unlike the other two, often suggests a sincere desire not to hurt the feelings of others: a tactful way of correcting someone.

Antonyms

2. blunt, blundering, tactless.

Examples from the web for diplomatic

In this volume, Nickles examines three cases from diplomatic history.
Later in the 20th century, Bermuda hosted many diplomatic conferences between world leaders.
This experience only strengthened his desire to pursue a diplomatic career.
Ability to cultivate relationships; must be self-motivated with sound judgment and keen diplomatic skills.
Be proud you were able to be so diplomatic and let it go.
Colleagues know you to be diplomatic, supportive and results-focused.
Admittedly, if the arms race did become conspicuously reinvigorated, this might disturb diplomatic relations.
Holman understands why he lost his job and is very diplomatic about it.
He does a lot of work for the diplomatic corps.
But the broader diplomatic outlook is now more complicated than ever.

British Dictionary definitions for diplomatic

diplomatic

/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/

adjective

of or relating to diplomacy or diplomats

skilled in negotiating, esp between states or people

tactful in dealing with people

of or relating to diplomatics

Derived Forms

diplomatically, adverb

Word Origin

C18: from French diplomatique concerning the documents of diplomacy, from New Latin diplōmaticus; see diploma

Word Origin and History for diplomatic

adj.

1711, "pertaining to documents, texts, charters," from Medieval Latin diplomaticus, from diplomat-, stem of diploma (see diploma).

Meaning "pertaining to international relations" is recorded from 1787, apparently a sense evolved in 18c. from the use of diplomaticus in Modern Latin titles of collections of international treaties, etc., in which the word referred to the "texts" but came to be felt as meaning "pertaining to international relations." In the general sense of "tactful and adroit," it dates from 1826. Related: Diplomatically.