envoy

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words all describe someone acting for another person or group, but they are not interchangeable. An envoy is someone sent on a particular mission, often for diplomacy, negotiation, or delicate communication. An ambassador is a higher and more permanent official role between governments. A delegate usually belongs to a meeting, committee, or conference and often joins a larger group of delegates. Emissary is close to envoy, but it can sound more secretive or literary. Representative is the widest term and may refer to any person speaking or acting for a group. For example, a president may send an envoy to calm a dispute, while a company sends a representative to a sales fair.

Common collocations

Etymology

Envoy came into English from French envoye, meaning 'sent'. It grew from the French verb envoyer, 'to send'. Because of that history, the word still carries the idea of a person being sent on another side's behalf for a specific mission, especially in diplomacy.