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incident diplomatique

/ɛ̃.si.dɑ̃ di.plɔ.ma.tik/
noun phrase★Intermediate💡 diplomatic incident
formal

An event or situation involving a conflict or disagreement between governments or diplomatic representatives, often requiring official mediation or resolution.

Le ministre des Affaires étrangères a dû gérer un incident diplomatique suite à une déclaration maladroite.

The foreign minister had to handle a diplomatic incident following an awkward statement.

L'incident diplomatique a été résolu grâce à des négociations secrètes entre les ambassades.

The diplomatic incident was resolved through secret negotiations between the embassies.

💡

Often involves protocol violations, offensive statements, or actions that strain international relations.

Collocations

gérer un incident diplomatiqueto handle a diplomatic incidentéviter un incident diplomatiqueto avoid a diplomatic incidentrésoudre un incident diplomatiqueto resolve a diplomatic incident

Synonyms

crise diplomatiqueconflit diplomatiquetension diplomatique

Antonyms

accord diplomatiqueentente diplomatiquecoopération diplomatique

💡Pro Tip

Contextual Usage

Use 'incident diplomatique' to describe a specific event that strains relations between countries, rather than a long-standing conflict. For example, a misstated comment by a foreign official could lead to an 'incident diplomatique'.

⚡Gold Rule

Formal Tone

This phrase is formal and should be used in professional or official contexts, such as news reports, political analyses, or diplomatic correspondence.

📖Word Origin

From French 'incident' (event) + 'diplomatique' (diplomatic), first attested in the 18th century in the context of international relations.

📝Usage Notes

Used in formal contexts, particularly in journalism, politics, and international law. The term emphasizes the potential for escalation and the need for careful handling.

Word Breakdown

incident
an event or occurrence, often unexpected
noun
+
diplomatique
relating to diplomacy or international relations
adjective
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais

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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.