How to pronounce diplomacy
Say it like dih-PLOH-muh-see. Diplomacy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diplomacy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- PLOH
- muh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diplomacy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PLOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of diplomacy
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: dih-PLOH-muh-see.
What does diplomacy mean?
- negotiation between nations
- subtly skillful handling of a situation
- wisdom in the management of public affairs
Where does diplomacy come from?
From French diplomatie, a back-formation from diplomatique, ultimately from Latin diploma (“a letter of recommendation or authority”); see diploma.
Questions about saying diplomacy
How do you pronounce diplomacy?
Say dih-PLOH-muh-see. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈploʊməsi/. In British English it is /dɪˈpləʊməsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diplomacy?
Diplomacy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLOH). Broken into parts: dih · PLOH · muh · see.
Is diplomacy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /dɪˈpləʊməsi/ (dih-PLOH-muh-see).