corps diplomatique: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Diplomatic, Official, Historical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “corps diplomatique” mean?
The entire body of diplomats accredited to a particular country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The entire body of diplomats accredited to a particular country.
Often refers specifically to the organized, collective body of foreign diplomats and their families within a capital city, sometimes considered as a social or professional community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In British formal writing, it is more likely to retain the original French spelling and italics. American usage may sometimes adapt it without italics.
Connotations
Carries connotations of formality, protocol, and international relations. Can imply exclusivity or a closed social circle.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to diplomatic, historical, or high-level political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “corps diplomatique” in a Sentence
The [Nationality] ambassador addressed the corps diplomatique.A reception was held for the entire corps diplomatique.Protocol dictates that the corps diplomatique is seated by seniority.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in high-level international business dealings with government implications.
Academic
Used in political science, international relations, history, and diplomatic studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in diplomatic protocol and official state communications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corps diplomatique”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corps diplomatique”
- Pronouncing 'corps' as /kɔːrps/ (like 'corpse'). Correct: /kɔː/ or /kɔr/.
- Using it to refer to a single diplomat.
- Forgetting to italicize it in formal writing (though this is becoming less strict).
- Misspelling as 'corp diplomatique' (missing the 's').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Corps diplomatique' is the original French term, while 'diplomatic corps' is the anglicised version. The latter is more common in everyday English.
You do not pronounce it. The word 'corps' is pronounced /kɔː/ (UK) or /kɔr/ (US), identical to the word 'core'.
Traditionally, yes, as it is a foreign phrase. In modern usage, especially in diplomatic contexts, the italics are often omitted as the term is considered fully naturalized.
No. It specifically refers to the entire body of *foreign* diplomats accredited to a host country. The diplomats from one country would be a 'delegation' or 'mission'.
The entire body of diplomats accredited to a particular country.
Corps diplomatique is usually formal, diplomatic, official, historical, journalistic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CORPS of soldiers, but instead of military personnel, it's a formal corps (body) of DIPLOMATIC representatives.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIPLOMATS ARE A BODY (The corps diplomatique functions as a single entity with a head and members).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'corps diplomatique'?