# diplomatic

/ˌdɪpɫəˈmætɪk/ (US) · /dˌɪpləmˈætɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diplomatic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. international relations

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the official work and relationships between the governments of different countries.

For teachers: pertaining to the conduct of international relations by government officials or professional diplomats.

- The two countries decided to end their diplomatic relationship after the disagreement.
- The ambassador worked tirelessly to maintain diplomatic ties during the border dispute, hoping to avoid a complete breakdown in communication.

### 2. tactful and polite

adjective · CEFR B2

being careful and polite so that you do not upset or offend people.

For teachers: exhibiting tact, discretion, or sensitivity in dealing with others to avoid conflict or resentment.

- She gave a very diplomatic answer when asked if she liked her boss.
- The manager took a diplomatic approach to the staff dispute, ensuring that both parties felt heard without taking a side prematurely.

### 3. textual study

adjective · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

describing a version of an old text that follows the original exactly, including any mistakes.

For teachers: pertaining to a transcription or edition of a text that reproduces the original manuscript exactly, including orthographic idiosyncrasies.

- The library published a diplomatic edition of the medieval poem.
- The scholar insisted on a diplomatic transcription to preserve the original scribe's unique spelling and punctuation for further linguistic analysis.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'diplomatic edition'.

## Examples

- She gave a very diplomatic answer to the rude question.
- The manager had to be diplomatic when telling the team that their favorite project was being cancelled.
- Navigating the competing interests of the various stakeholders required a diplomatic approach that acknowledged every grievance without making any concrete promises that could not be kept.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.