embassy
UK: ˈembəsi | US: ˈembəsi
n. the official residence or offices of an ambassador in a foreign country
n. a diplomatic mission headed by an ambassador
n. the function or duty of an ambassador
embassy = embass<mission> + y<noun suffix>
- embass (from Old French ambasse, meaning "mission" or "delegation," derived from Latin ambactia, meaning "service" or "errand")
- y (a noun-forming suffix in English, often indicating a state or function)
Etymology Origin:
The word embassy traces back to the Latin ambactia, referring to a service or duty, which evolved into Old French ambasse as a term for a diplomatic mission. The spelling shifted to embassy in English, influenced by the Italian ambasciata. The core idea of a "mission" or "delegation" has remained central to its meaning, now specifically tied to diplomatic representation.
The American embassy in Paris is located near the Champs-Élysées.
She works at the embassy as a cultural attaché.
The ambassador hosted a reception at the embassy.
Protesters gathered outside the embassy to demand action.
The embassy issued a travel warning for the region.