ambassador
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a high-ranking official sent by their country to live in a foreign country and represent their government there.
a diplomat of the highest rank sent to a foreign state as the resident representative of their own sovereign or government.
Simple“The French ambassador met with the president to discuss the new trade deal.”
In context“The newly appointed ambassador presented her credentials to the court, marking the formal commencement of her diplomatic mission in the capital.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'to' (ambassador to Japan).
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a person who is the public face of a company or brand and helps promote it.
a person engaged by an organisation to promote its image and products through public appearances and social media.
Simple“The famous actress became a brand ambassador for the luxury watch company.”
In context“By selecting a young athlete as their global ambassador, the corporation successfully pivoted its marketing strategy toward a more active demographic.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
a player who is a great example for others and helps make their sport more popular.
a sportsperson who exemplifies the integrity of the game and serves as a positive representative for the sport's growth.
Simple“He was a true ambassador for tennis, always showing respect to his opponents.”
In context“The retired captain was widely regarded as an ambassador for the league, frequently visiting youth academies to lecture on sportsmanship and professional ethics.”
Synonyms
“Japan’s foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, summoned the Russian ambassador Nikolay Nozdrev, while the prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, called Putin’s actions “absolutely unacceptable”.”
“The number of Albanians who travelled to Britain in small boats four years ago remains the focus of “unhinged” and “hysterical” criticisms from rightwing politicians and the media, according to the country’s UK ambassador.”
From Middle English ambassadore, from Anglo-Norman ambassadeur, from Old Italian ambassadore, from Old Occitan ambaisador (“ambassador”), derivative of ambaissa (“service, mission, errand”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic ambahtaz (“servant”), from Gaulish ambaxtos, from Proto-Celtic ambaxtos, from Proto-Indo-European h₂m̥bʰi-h₂eǵ- (“drive around”), from h₂m̥bʰi- (“around”) + *h₂eǵ- (“to drive”). Displaced native Old English ǣrendraca.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.