diplomatic
adj.-
1 international relations (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediaterelating to the official work and relationships between the governments of different countries.
pertaining to the conduct of international relations by government officials or professional diplomats.
ExampleThe two countries decided to end their diplomatic relationship after the disagreement.
ExampleThe ambassador worked tirelessly to maintain diplomatic ties during the border dispute, hoping to avoid a complete breakdown in communication.
-
2 tactful and polite (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatebeing careful and polite so that you do not upset or offend people.
exhibiting tact, discretion, or sensitivity in dealing with others to avoid conflict or resentment.
ExampleShe gave a very diplomatic answer when asked if she liked her boss.
ExampleThe manager took a diplomatic approach to the staff dispute, ensuring that both parties felt heard without taking a side prematurely.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 textual study (adj.) C2 Proficiency Academic Technicaldescribing a version of an old text that follows the original exactly, including any mistakes.
pertaining to a transcription or edition of a text that reproduces the original manuscript exactly, including orthographic idiosyncrasies.
ExampleThe library published a diplomatic edition of the medieval poem.
ExampleThe scholar insisted on a diplomatic transcription to preserve the original scribe's unique spelling and punctuation for further linguistic analysis.
UsageOften used in the phrase 'diplomatic edition'.
From French diplomatique and its etymon New Latin diplōmaticus. By surface analysis, diplomat + -ic.