diplomatically

/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · /-|ə̇k(ə)lē |ēk, -li/ (ame, mw)

diplomatically — adverb

1. through official discussion and careful agreement-making between governments or

1.副詞C1
釋義

through official discussion and careful agreement-making between governments or states.

例句

The border dispute was settled diplomatically after three weeks of talks.

resolve something diplomatically through negotiation

Japan and Korea tried to address the fishing clash diplomatically.

同義詞
  • peacefully

    broader; can describe non-violent action without suggesting official negotiation

  • officially

    broader; shows formal status, not skill in managing international relations

反義詞
  • militarily

    suggests using force instead of negotiation

  • aggressively

    suggests pressure or threat rather than careful statecraft

文法句型

resolve something diplomatically

respond diplomatically to something

handle something diplomatically

用法筆記

Usually describes how governments, embassies, or leaders deal with conflict. It focuses on formal relations between countries, not on being tactful in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌They solved the border dispute diplomatic.
✅They solved the border dispute diplomatically.
💡use the adverb after the verb when describing how the action was carried out.

2. with careful words or behavior that keeps a difficult situation calm and avoids

2.副詞C1
釋義

with careful words or behavior that keeps a difficult situation calm and avoids upsetting people.

例句

Hana diplomatically changed the subject when her parents started arguing.

change the subject diplomatically to reduce tension

Christopher diplomatically told the chef the soup needed more salt.

同義詞
  • tactfully

    closest; stresses choosing careful words in a sensitive moment

  • politely

    focuses more on manners and respect than on handling tension well

  • carefully

    broader; does not always imply sensitivity to other people's feelings

反義詞
  • bluntly

    suggests speaking directly without softening the message

  • rudely

    suggests causing offence rather than avoiding it

文法句型

answer diplomatically

refuse diplomatically

change the subject diplomatically

用法筆記

Often goes with verbs such as answer, refuse, and change the subject. Unlike sense 1, it is about easing personal tension rather than managing relations between countries.

常見錯誤

❌Hana spoke diplomatic about the mistake.
✅Hana spoke diplomatically about the mistake.
💡use the adverb to describe how someone spoke or reacted.