Cool MateDiplomat
UK /["/ˈdɪpləmæt/"]/US /["/ˈdɪpləmæt/"]/
Definition
a person whose job is to represent his or her country in a foreign country, for example, in an embassy
In simple words: A person who represents their country in foreign relations.
Examples
- Washington's top diplomat in Havana
- a Western diplomat in Islamabad
- the chief Cuban diplomat in the United States
- two of the world's most prominent diplomats
- You’ll need to be a real diplomat to persuade them to come to some agreement.
Usage notes
Typically used in formal contexts, such as international relations. Not appropriate to use in casual conversation unless discussing specific roles.
Grammar pattern
subject + be + diplomat
Memory hint
Think of a 'diplomat' as a 'diploma' holder in a formal suit negotiating peace.
Collocations
- chief
- prominent
- senior
- be
- serve as
- work as
- chief
- prominent
- senior
- be
- serve as
- work as
Synonyms
- negotiator
- ambassador
- envoy
- representative
Antonyms
- belligerent
- aggressor
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'diplomatic' which refers to behavior or practices, not just a person.
- Using in informal settings where a simpler term like 'ambassador' would suffice.
- Mispronouncing the term as 'dip-lo-mat' instead of 'diplomat'.