ambassador-at-large

The ambassador-at-large meets with foreign leaders to discuss global cooperation.

Definition

Noun: An "ambassador-at-large" is a diplomatic representative who is not assigned to a specific country but rather travels to various nations or regions to represent their government on special missions or to address particular issues. Unlike a traditional ambassador who resides in a host country, an ambassador-at-large operates on a broader, often temporary, mandate.

Usage Examples

• (A diplomatic role focused on a specific issue across multiple countries.)
• (A roving representative with a specialized mission.)
• (A temporary diplomat without a fixed host country.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ambassador-at-large" can also be used in non-governmental contexts, such as for international organizations or cultural figures:
  • The musician was named a UNICEF ambassador-at-large to raise awareness for children's education. (A celebrity representative for a cause, not a government.)
• Formal title: In official diplomatic language, the term is often capitalized and used as a formal title:
  • His Excellency, the Ambassador-at-Large for Counterterrorism, will address the United Nations.

Variants and Related Words

• Ambassador (n): a diplomatic official of the highest rank, usually representing a state permanently in a foreign country.
  • The American ambassador to France lives in Paris. (A fixed-post diplomat.)
• Ambassadorship (n): the position or office of an ambassador.
  • She was offered an ambassadorship to a small island nation. (The job of being an ambassador.)
• Roving ambassador (n): a synonym for ambassador-at-large, emphasizing travel without a fixed post.
  • He was a roving ambassador for trade negotiations across Asia. (A peripatetic diplomat.)

Synonyms

• Roving ambassador: a diplomat who travels extensively without a permanent station.
• Special envoy: a diplomatic representative sent on a specific mission or to a particular region.
• Plenipotentiary: a diplomat given full authority to act on behalf of their government, often for a specific task.

Related Idioms

• "On a diplomatic mission": to be traveling abroad for official representation.
  • The ambassador-at-large is on a diplomatic mission to resolve the border dispute. (Engaged in formal negotiations.)
• "To carry the flag": to represent one's country or organization in various places.
  • As an ambassador-at-large, she carries the flag for cultural exchange programs worldwide. (To act as a symbolic representative.)

Phrasal Verbs

• "To serve as": to act in a particular capacity.
  • He served as an ambassador-at-large for five years. (To hold the role.)
• "To be appointed to": to be officially assigned to a position.
  • She was appointed to the post of ambassador-at-large by the prime minister. (To receive the formal assignment.)