A.W.A.D. - Words of Diplomacy

If you've ever wondered whether a diplomat had anything to do with a diploma, the answer is yes. The word diplomacy comes from diploma (from Greek diplo- double), which is, literally speaking, a document folded in double, those documents being the letters of international relations. And that's how a diplomat is related to diplodocus, the dinosaur. The name of those herbivorous giants of the Jurassic era literally means two beams: a long neck and a long tail (Greek dokos: beam).

That's the joy of words. Begin with an ordinary word and you don't know where it might lead you to and what connections it might show. This week we feature words related to diplomacy. Enhance your savoir-fairein any diplomatic circle with these words from the world of international relations, treaties, and agreements.

detente
(day-TANT) noun
An easing of tension between rivals.

[From French détente (loosening, relaxation). Ultimately from theIndo-European root ten- (to stretch) that's also the source of tense, tendon, tenor, pretend, extend, tenure, tetanus, and hypotenuse.]

plenipotentiary
(plen-uh-puh-TEN-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree) noun
A person, such as a diplomatic agent, fully authorized to represent a government.

adjective
Invested with full power.

[From Latin plenipotentiarius, from plenum (full) + potent (powerful).]

extraterritoriality
(ek-struh-ter-i-tor-ee-AL-i-tee) noun
Exemption from the jurisdiction of local law, granted to foreign diplomats.

[From Latin extra- (outside) + territorium (land around a town), from terra (land).]

demarche
(day-MARSH) noun
A course of action, especially a diplomatic petition or protest.

[From French démarche (gait). Ultimately from the Indo-European root merg-(border) that's also the source of marquee, margin, march, mark, and remark.]

identic
(eye-DEN-tik) adjective
1. Relating to a diplomatic action in which two or more governments agree to follow the same course in relations with another government.
2. Identical.

[From Latin identicus (identical).]

Covers 9 - 13 July 2007

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