Words / C1

di-PLOHM-uh-see/dɪˈpləʊməsi/

Diplomacy is the management of relations between states; by extension, tact with people: shuttle diplomacy, a feat of diplomacy. Diplomatic (already in the dictionary) is the adjective; tact is the everyday twin; bluntness sits opposite. Being polite to a reporter does not move an embargo clock.

Meaning

The management of relations between states; also skill in handling people tactfully.

Examples

• “Diplomacy with the press does not lift an embargo a day early.”
• “Tact is everyday. Statecraft is the high political twin. A diplomat (already in the dictionary) is the person. Courtesy is manner. A date on a notice is law for the sitting. Keep the date; keep the courtesy for the door, not for the clock.”

Good to know

Statecraft; also tact with people. Adjective: diplomatic (already in the dictionary). Everyday: tact. Politeness ≠ a lifted embargo.

Near in meaning

tact

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