/ ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk; NAmE / adjective
1.
connected with managing relations between countries (= diplomacy ) :
a diplomatic crisis
Attempts are being made to settle the dispute by diplomatic means.
to break off / establish / restore diplomatic relations with a country
2.
having or showing skill in dealing with people in difficult situations
SYN tactful :
a diplomatic answer
► dip·lo·mat·ic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb :
The country remained diplomatically isolated.
'Why don't we take a break for coffee?' she suggested diplomatically.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 18th cent. (in the sense relating to official documents ): from modern Latin diplomaticus and French diplomatique , from Latin diploma from Greek diplōma folded paper, from diploun to fold, from diplous double. Sense 1 (late 18th cent.) is probably due to the publication of the Codex Juris Gentium Diplomaticus (1695), a collection of originals of important public documents, many of which dealt with international affairs.