ambassador-at-large: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal; Official; Diplomatic
Quick answer
What does “ambassador-at-large” mean?
A senior diplomat appointed to represent their country without being assigned to a specific foreign government.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A senior diplomat appointed to represent their country without being assigned to a specific foreign government; a roving or special envoy with broad, non-residential duties.
The term can sometimes be used metaphorically for someone who represents an organization or cause in a broad, unrestricted capacity, though this is less common than the official diplomatic usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term and concept are used similarly in both diplomatic contexts, though the specific legal authority and appointment process may differ slightly between governmental systems.
Connotations
Carries connotations of high authority, flexibility, and a special or urgent mission. No significant difference in connotation between regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US contexts, appearing primarily in official communications, diplomatic news, and international relations literature.
Grammar
How to Use “ambassador-at-large” in a Sentence
[Person/Title] was appointed ambassador-at-large for [Issue/Region].The [Country] ambassador-at-large on [Issue] held talks in [City].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in high-level corporate diplomacy roles (e.g., 'sustainability ambassador-at-large').
Academic
Used in political science, international relations, and diplomatic history texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in serious news reports.
Technical
Core term in diplomatic and foreign service terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ambassador-at-large”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ambassador-at-large”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ambassador-at-large”
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'ambassador at large' (should be hyphenated, especially as a title preceding a name).
- Incorrect plural: 'ambassador-at-larges' (correct: 'ambassadors-at-large').
- Confusing with 'ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary', which is a resident ambassador.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily in formal protocol, but the role often carries significant prestige and direct access to top leadership, indicating a special priority.
Yes, informally. Companies or NGOs might appoint a 'brand ambassador-at-large' or a 'goodwill ambassador-at-large' to signify a wide-ranging, non-local role.
It derives from the Anglo-French legal phrase 'at large', meaning 'at liberty' or 'free', as in a suspect 'at large'. It was applied to roles without a specific, confined jurisdiction.
The plural is 'ambassadors-at-large'. The principal noun ('ambassador') is made plural, while the modifying phrase 'at-large' remains hyphenated and unchanged.
A senior diplomat appointed to represent their country without being assigned to a specific foreign government.
Ambassador-at-large is usually formal; official; diplomatic in register.
Ambassador-at-large: in British English it is pronounced /æmˌbæs.ə.dər.ət ˈlɑːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /æmˈbæs.ə.dər.ət ˈlɑːrdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; the term itself functions as a fixed title.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ambassador with a LARGE briefcase, traveling AT LARGE across the world, not confined to one embassy.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIPLOMACY IS A THEATRE OF OPERATIONS; the ambassador-at-large is a 'free agent' or 'roving player' on that stage.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of an 'ambassador-at-large'?