diplomatic

/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik/ (ame, mw)

diplomatic — adjective

  • diplomaticpositive
  • more diplomaticcomparative
  • most diplomaticsuperlative

1. relating to the management of official relationships between countries, includin

1.形容詞B2
釋義

relating to the management of official relationships between countries, including negotiations, treaties, and the work of ambassadors and representatives abroad.

例句

The two countries agreed to restore full diplomatic relations after years of conflict.

collocation: diplomatic relations

Ayesha began her career in the diplomatic service as a junior officer in Tokyo.

collocation: diplomatic service

同義詞
  • foreign

    broader than 'diplomatic'; 'foreign' refers to any matter involving other countries, while 'diplomatic' specifically relates to official government-to-government relations.

  • consular

    more specific; relates to the work of consulates helping citizens abroad, whereas 'diplomatic' covers high-level negotiations between governments.

文法句型

diplomatic + noun (relations, mission, service, passport)

用法筆記

In this sense, 'diplomatic' almost always comes before a noun (e.g., diplomatic relations, diplomatic mission). It is rarely used with a complement after a linking verb.

常見錯誤

❌He works as a diplomatic in the embassy.
✅He works as a diplomat in the embassy.
💡'diplomatic' is an adjective; 'diplomat' is the noun for the person.
❌They held a diplomatic with the foreign minister.
✅They held diplomatic talks with the foreign minister.
💡'diplomatic' must be followed by a noun; it is not a noun itself.

2. skilful at handling sensitive situations or difficult conversations without upse

2.形容詞B2
釋義

skilful at handling sensitive situations or difficult conversations without upsetting or offending people.

例句

Amira gave a diplomatic answer that satisfied both the manager and the staff.

diplomatic + noun (answer, reply, way)

When the client complained about the delay, Felix was diplomatic and offered a full refund.

同義詞
  • tactful

    very similar in meaning; 'tactful' is more common in everyday conversation, while 'diplomatic' carries a slightly more formal tone.

  • politic

    more formal and less common; suggests careful awareness of what is appropriate or advantageous in a given situation.

  • discreet

    focuses on keeping things private or secret, whereas 'diplomatic' focuses on not causing offense.

反義詞
  • tactless

    direct opposite — saying or doing things that upset or offend people without consideration.

  • undiplomatic

    direct opposite; describes behaviour that creates unnecessary offense or tension.

文法句型

be diplomatic about something

it + be + diplomatic + of + someone + to-infinitive

diplomatic + noun (answer, reply, way)

用法筆記

This sense is commonly used in negative or cautionary statements (e.g., 'It was not very diplomatic of him...', 'You could have been more diplomatic...'). It describes a social skill, not a personality trait — a person can be diplomatic in one situation but blunt in another.

常見錯誤

❌She was diplomatic to the waiter by saying please and thank you.
✅She was polite to the waiter. She was diplomatic when her supervisor criticised her work.
💡'diplomatic' refers to handling difficult or sensitive situations, not everyday courtesy.
❌He is a diplomatic person.' (when describing character)
✅He was diplomatic in the meeting.
💡In this sense, 'diplomatic' describes behaviour in a specific situation, not a fixed personality type.