diplomacy
UK: dɪˈpləʊməsi | US: dɪˈploʊməsi
n. The art or practice of conducting international relations, typically through negotiation and dialogue.
n. Tact or skill in dealing with people sensitively and effectively.
diplomacy = diplo<folded document> + macy<noun suffix>
- diplo: From Greek diploos (double, folded), referring to ancient folded documents (e.g., passports or treaties) carried by diplomats.
- macy: A noun-forming suffix derived from Greek -macheia (act or practice), later adapted into Latin -matia and French -macie.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to 18th-century French diplomatie, from diplôme (official document). Ancient diplomats carried folded ("double") credentials to prove their authority. Over time, diplomacy expanded from literal document-handling to the abstract skill of negotiation, mirroring the evolution of international relations.
Successful diplomacy often requires patience and cultural understanding.
She handled the tense situation with remarkable diplomacy.
The treaty was a triumph of quiet diplomacy behind the scenes.
His lack of diplomacy made the negotiations more difficult.
The ambassador’s diplomacy averted a potential conflict.