Definition

1. Noun:
   • An official representing a country abroad: A person who is appointed by a government to conduct official relations and negotiations with other countries or international organizations.
   • A tactful person: Someone who is skilled in dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way, often to avoid conflict or offense.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Official Representative):
  • The diplomat presented his credentials to the foreign minister.
  • She had a long career as a diplomat serving in several European capitals.
• Noun (Tactful Person):
  • You need to be a real diplomat to handle such a difficult client.
  • He acted as a diplomat between the two arguing departments.

Advanced Usage

• "Shuttle diplomat": A diplomat who travels frequently between locations, especially between parties in conflict, to mediate.
  • The envoy served as a shuttle diplomat between the two warring nations.
• "Career diplomat": A professional who has spent their working life in the diplomatic service.
  • Unlike political appointees, a career diplomat rises through the ranks of the foreign service.

Variants and Related Words

• Diplomacy (n): The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, or tactful handling of people.
  • The crisis was resolved through careful diplomacy.
• Diplomatic (adj): Relating to diplomacy, or characterized by tact and skill in dealing with others.
  • She made a diplomatic comment that offended no one.
• Diplomatist (n): A less common synonym for diplomat.
  • He was a seasoned diplomatist.

Synonyms

• Envoy: A messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission.
• Ambassador: A diplomat of the highest rank, accredited as representative from one country to another.
• Conciliator: A person who acts to reconcile differences between people or groups.

Related Phrases

• Diplomatic immunity: A privilege exempting diplomats from the jurisdiction of local law.
  • The ambassador could not be prosecuted due to diplomatic immunity.
• Diplomatic corps: The body of diplomats accredited to a particular country.
  • The diplomatic corps was invited to the state dinner.
• Diplomatic relations: The customary diplomatic intercourse between nations.
  • The two countries established full diplomatic relations.

Noun

1. a person who deals tactfully with others
2. an official engaged in international negotiations