I. |diplə|mad.]ik, -at], ]ēk adjective
Etymology: in sense 1, from New Latin diplomaticus, from Latin diplomat-, diploma document conferring an honor or privilege + -icus -ic; in other senses, from French diplomatique connected with the documents that regulate international relations, from New Latin diplomaticus
1. : relating to the deciphering, age, authenticity, signatures, or textual emendations of writings of former times : paleographic ; especially : exactly reproducing the original — used of a copy or edition of a text or document
their own translation is based on the critical, diplomatic text of Henri Lestienne (Paris 1907), which provides all of Leibnitz's own alterations — Nicholas Rescher
2.
a. : concerned or connected with international relations
a diplomatic assignment in So. America
diplomatic techniques for preventing war
: engaged or skilled in international relations
a diplomatic expert
sent over a diplomatic group to Europe
b. : belonging to or proper to the personnel responsible for the conduct of international relations
diplomatic secretaries and consuls
diplomatic privileges and immunities
a breach of diplomatic etiquette
the right of diplomatic sanctuary
: composed of such personnel
a diplomatic group
3. : employing tact and conciliation
tried a diplomatic approach before using strong-arm methods
a diplomatic way of dealing with a touchy personal relationship
Synonyms: see suave
II. noun
( -s )
1. archaic : a diplomatic agent : diplomatist
2. also dip·lo·mat·ics -ks\ plural but singular in construction , archaic : the art of international diplomacy
3. diplomatics plural but singular in construction : critical study of official documents of history (as ancient registers, decrees, charters, treaties, judicial records) especially of medieval times