noun
envoy
EN-voy/ˈenvɔɪ/
An official representative sent on a diplomatic or special mission.
The envoy meets with government leaders to discuss a ceasefire.
Etymology
The image is of sending someone “on the road.” An envoy is literally “one sent”: a messenger, or specifically someone dispatched to represent a government or organization.
In context
merchant has arrived in Dao, spending money like water. In just half a day, he's almost cleared out all the shops on Kipan Street. What rich merchant? That's the special envoy sent by the empress of the Woo Kingdom.
More examples
- The president sends a special envoy to negotiate the prisoners' release.
- Envoys from three countries attend the peace talks.
- She serves as a trade envoy, helping resolve disputes over exports.
Forms
envoy · envoys
Similar words
- ambassador
- Usually holds a continuing diplomatic post rather than a temporary assignment.
- emissary
- Emphasizes being sent on a particular mission, sometimes secretly.
- delegate
- Usually represents a group at a meeting or conference.