Word
diplomatically
Phoneticsdiplo·mat·i·cal·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪpɫəˈmætɪkɫi/
UK/dˌɪpləmˈætɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a careful and polite way that avoids upsetting people. You use it when someone handles a tricky situation with tact.
adv. in a manner that shows tact and sensitivity in dealing with people, especially to avoid conflict or offence. Often implies careful wording or negotiation rather than directness.
Examples
“She answers the rude question diplomatically.”
“When two friends argue about money, he diplomatically changes the topic to keep the peace.”
“Faced with competing demands from management and staff, she responded diplomatically, acknowledging both concerns without committing to a course that would alienate either side.”
Examples
simple
“She answers the rude question diplomatically.”
contextual
“When two friends argue about money, he diplomatically changes the topic to keep the peace.”
complex
“Faced with competing demands from management and staff, she responded diplomatically, acknowledging both concerns without committing to a course that would alienate either side.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “diplomatically” in context.
Verb
01. act diplomatically
“Good leaders act diplomatically under pressure from both sides.”
verb + adv
02. decline diplomatically
“She declined the invitation diplomatically, citing work commitments.”
verb + adv
03. handle diplomatically
“She handled the complaint diplomatically without blaming anyone.”
verb + adv
04. phrase diplomatically
“Try to phrase your criticism diplomatically to avoid offence.”
verb + adv
05. respond diplomatically
“He responded diplomatically when asked about the pay cuts.”
verb + adv
Adjective
06. diplomatically delicate
“The merger created a diplomatically delicate situation for both teams.”
adv + adj
07. diplomatically sensitive
“Raising salaries is a diplomatically sensitive issue for the new manager.”
adv + adj
08. diplomatically worded
“She sent a diplomatically worded email to reject the proposal.”
adv + adj
09. decline offer diplomatically
“He declined the job offer diplomatically to keep the door open.”
10. handle situation diplomatically
“She handled the situation diplomatically and kept both sides happy.”
11. phrase answer diplomatically
“She phrased her answer diplomatically to avoid upsetting anyone.”
12. resolve dispute diplomatically
“The neighbours resolved the dispute diplomatically without lawyers.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“Ramaz Svanadze, the Georgia coach, diplomatically said he would have to view the incident again.” “Even Dussutour told me, diplomatically, that, in the case of the wood wide web, enthusiasm got too far ahead of the data .” Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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