diplomacy

Everyday

1. The work of governments talking to each other to keep peace, make agreements and sort out problems between countries. tree →
2. Skill in dealing with people politely and carefully so that nobody gets upset; tact. tree →

In the lessons

In history and social studies diplomacy is how countries settle quarrels without fighting; in everyday life it is the gentle way of saying hard things. Phrases: «use diplomacy», «a lot of diplomacy», «through diplomacy», «diplomacy failed».

Examples

• The two countries ended the quarrel through diplomacy, not war. tree →
• Ambassadors work in diplomacy. tree →
• Mum used diplomacy to stop my brother and me arguing over the TV. tree →
• It takes diplomacy to tell a friend their drawing needs work. tree →
• The teacher handled the fight with great diplomacy. tree →
• Diplomacy is better than fighting. tree →
• "Suppose I make use of a little diplomacy, and play him some sort of a trick!" tree →

Note

Uncountable: no «a», no plural. Related words: diplomat (a person who does diplomacy), diplomatic (polite and careful; to do with diplomacy). Not the same as «democracy» (rule by the people), which sounds a little alike.