noun

diplomacy

dih-PLOH-muh-see/dɪˈpləʊməsi/

The skillful negotiation of relations between parties.

Careful diplomacy helps the two countries resolve their border dispute.

Black diplomat calmly mediates between disagreeing delegates.

Etymology

diplomacyFrenchart of international negotiation

Diplomatie belongs to a document-based vocabulary that apparently shifted from treaty texts to international relations. Its meaning then broadened from negotiation between nations to skillful management of dealings of any kind.

In context

Center for Strategic & International Studies22:01

thanks in no small part to President Bush's skillful diplomacy we have formed a new strategic partnership with the world's largest democracy India

Statesmen's Forum: Stephen Hadley

More examples

Both governments favor diplomacy over military action.
She uses diplomacy to settle disagreements between team members.
Rejecting their proposal without offending them requires diplomacy.

Forms

diplomacy

diplomat noun — A person officially representing a country abroad.

diplomatic adjective — Skilled at handling sensitive relationships tactfully.

Similar words

negotiation: Negotiation focuses on discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.
tact: Tact emphasizes avoiding offense rather than negotiating formal agreements.