diplomat

noun

USDIP-luh-mat/ˈdɪp.lə.mæt/

2 meanings of diplomat

1
nouncountable
An official, such as an ambassador, accredited to represent a government in its dealings with other governments or international organizations.
The diplomat presented her credentials to the host country's foreign minister.
A senior diplomat was recalled after the breakdown in trade negotiations.
Similarenvoy, emissary
2
nounfigurativelycountable
A person who handles dealings with others using skill and tact, smoothing over tension rather than provoking it.
She proved a real diplomat when she settled the dispute between the two departments.
It takes a diplomat to keep both sides satisfied during a tense family argument.
Similarpeacemaker, mediator, conciliator, negotiator
Oppositetroublemaker

Practice

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Origin

From French diplomate, a back-formation from diplomatique ('diplomatic'), which ultimately comes from the Ancient Greek δίπλωμα (díplōma, 'double-folded document').