Definition of "diplomatic" in English

adjective

1. Concerning the relationships between the governments of countries.

   • She spent thirty years working for Canada's diplomatic service.
   • Albania immediately severed diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe.

2. Exhibiting diplomacy; exercising tact or courtesy; using discussion to avoid hard feelings, fights or arguments.

   • Thoughtful corrections can be diplomatic as well as instructional.

3. Describing a publication of a text which follows a single basic manuscript, but with variants in other manuscripts noted in the critical apparatus.

4. Relating to diplomatics, or the study of old texts; paleographic.

noun

1. The science of diplomas, or the art of deciphering ancient writings and determining their age, authenticity, etc.; paleography.