diplomatise
Definition
Verb (rare, transitive or intransitive): - To conduct diplomacy: to engage in the practice of managing international relations through negotiation and tact. - To handle a situation with skill and discretion: to use diplomatic methods to resolve a sensitive or difficult issue without causing offense.
Usage Examples
- (To use diplomatic skills to manage international conflict.)
- (To resolve a personal conflict with tact and care.)
Advanced Usage
"to diplomatise one's way through": to navigate a tricky situation by employing diplomatic tactics.
- He diplomatised his way through the heated board meeting, calming all sides. (He used skillful negotiation to manage the meeting.)
"to diplomatise a proposal": to present an idea in a way that is palatable to all parties.
- The negotiator diplomatised the trade agreement, making it acceptable to both countries. (He presented the agreement with tact and compromise.)
Variants and Related Words
- Diplomat (n): a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state.
- The diplomat met with foreign officials to discuss peace.
- Diplomacy (n): the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations.
- Skillful diplomacy prevented a war.
- Diplomatic (adj): having or showing an ability to deal with people sensitively and tactfully.
- She gave a diplomatic answer that avoided offense.
Synonyms
- Negotiate: to try to reach an agreement through discussion.
- Mediate: to intervene in a dispute to bring about a settlement.
- Tactful: having or showing sensitivity in dealing with others.
Phrasal Verbs
- To diplomatise around: to avoid a direct confrontation by using indirect, polite methods.
- He diplomatised around the sensitive topic, never mentioning the scandal directly.
Related Idioms
- To speak with a silver tongue: to speak in a persuasive and charming manner, often to achieve diplomatic ends.
- The envoy spoke with a silver tongue, winning over the hostile delegation. (He used eloquent, diplomatic speech.)