diplomacy
dih-PLOH-muh-seenounMeaning the work of managing relations between nations; also, skill in handling people tactfully
Memory hook DIPLOMA-cy: talk it out, then sign the paper. Pip and Sami are fighting over the tree swing, so Lila sits them down, listens to each and gets them to sign a turn-taking deal. That is diplomacy.
With a little diplomacy, Lila got both brothers to share the last slice of cake.
In context The border quarrel could have led to war, but patient diplomacy won out; after months of quiet talks, the two countries signed a treaty.
Similar tact, negotiation, statecraft, discretion
Opposite tactlessness, bluntness
From French diplomatie, from diploma, an official paper, from Greek diploma, “a paper folded in two.”