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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-faire in 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
the Indo-European root ten- (to stretch)