diplomacy

/dəˈploʊməsi/

/dɪˈplʌʊməsi/

Other forms: diplomacies

Diplomacy is the art of helping groups to get along and even work together. If you have a gift for diplomacy, you can get bickering siblings to cooperate.

The word diplomacy comes from the French word diplomatie, which means “diplomat.” A diplomat lives in a foreign country, fluent in its language — and culture. The job of a diplomat is to practice diplomacy among nations, understanding the concerns and needs of all and, if possible, guiding them toward decisions that are mutually agreeable.

Definitions of diplomacy

1. noun

   negotiation between nations
   synonyms: diplomatic negotiations

   examples:

   Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

   negotiations between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics opened in 1969 in Helsinki designed to limit both countries' stock of nuclear weapons

   types:

   dollar diplomacy

   foreign policy influenced by economic considerations

   gunboat diplomacy, power politics

   diplomacy in which the nations threaten to use force in order to obtain their objectives

   recognition

   the explicit and formal acknowledgement of a government or of the national independence of a country

   shuttle diplomacy

   international negotiations conducted by a mediator who frequently flies back and forth between the negotiating parties

   type of:

   dialogue, negotiation, talks

   a discussion intended to produce an agreement
2. noun

   subtly skillful handling of a situation
   synonyms: delicacy, discreetness, finesse

   type of:

   tact, tactfulness

   consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
3. noun

   wisdom in the management of public affairs
   synonyms: statecraft, statesmanship

   type of:

   wisdom, wiseness

   the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight