noun
ambassador
am-BASS-uh-der/æmˈbæsədər/
An appointed representative speaking on behalf of a country or organization.
The ambassador formally greets a foreign official at the diplomatic reception.
Etymology
Latin ambactus meant a servant or vassal. This relationship of service became specialized in the ambassador: an emissary representing a ruler at another ruler's court.
In context
was appointed ambassador of Mexico to the United States in 2021. The direct descendant of the emperor whose empire was destroyed by European contact became his country's representative to the most powerful nation in the Western Hemisphere.
More examples
- The university appoints student ambassadors to welcome visitors.
- An ambassador from the neighboring country attends the ceremony.
- He serves as a goodwill ambassador for the charity.
Forms
ambassador · ambassadors
Similar words
- envoy
- Often undertakes a specific mission rather than a continuing senior post.
- representative
- Broader; need not imply formal diplomatic rank.