undiplomatic
Meaning
not showing sensitivity or skill in dealing with others, especially in official situations; tactless or blunt.
Structure
Usage
his undiplomatic remarks at the summit caused a minor international incident.
it was considered highly undiplomatic to publicly criticize an ally in that manner.
she has a reputation for being brilliant but sometimes undiplomatic in meetings.
Etymology
The word 'undiplomatic' is a Modern English formation built upon the established adjective 'diplomatic'. The core term 'diplomatic' originates from the Latin 'diploma', referring to an official folded document conferring privilege. By the 18th century, it came to describe the art and practice of conducting state negotiations, and later, more broadly, skill in handling people tactfully. The Old English prefix 'un-', a common negator in the language, is attached to reverse this meaning, creating a term that literally means "not diplomatic." Thus, it describes behavior lacking the tact, subtlety, and sensitivity expected in official or delicate interpersonal dealings.
Analysis
un- (old english, a prefix expressing negation or reversal). diplomatic (from modern latin diplomaticus, relating to official documents or state affairs, from latin diploma, meaning an official document).