Word

diplomat

noun C1

/ˈdɪp.lə.mæt/

Meanings

noun

an official who represents a country abroad and works on international relations

noun

a person who is skilled at dealing with people in a tactful way to avoid conflict

Definition

A diplomat is an official who represents a country and negotiates with other countries.

A diplomat is a government official sent to another country or an international organization to represent their nation. Diplomats work to maintain relationships, communicate policies, and negotiate agreements. They often handle sensitive discussions and try to resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than force.

Examples

As a diplomat, she balanced public statements with private negotiations to keep talks on track.
The diplomat met local leaders to understand their concerns before drafting a report for his government.
During the summit, the diplomat chose careful wording so the message sounded firm without sounding hostile.
When tensions rose, they asked a veteran diplomat to reopen communication channels quietly.
He wasn’t a diplomat by training, but his colleagues relied on him as a diplomat in difficult meetings.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse diplomat (a person) with diplomacy (the activity or skill).