Reading Theme:
Embassy: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：diplomatic building (embassy)
embassy
/ˈembəsi/
n.
The official building of one country located in another country, where the ambassador works and important national business is done.
diplomatic building
➕
/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk ˈbɪldɪŋ/
n.
Refers to the physical building that serves as the official headquarters for a country's diplomatic mission in another nation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From medieval Latin 'ambactia' (service, mission), via Old French 'ambassee'.
💡 Mnemonic
EMBASSY sounds like 'in the base, see?' - imagine a secure BASE in a foreign country where you SEE diplomats work.
📖 Example
We need to go to the embassy next week to apply for our student visas.
A statement about a planned visit to the official diplomatic building for visa procedures.
🔗 Collocations
foreign embassy – An embassy representing a country other than the host country.
embassy compound – The entire secured area, often including multiple buildings and residences.
embassy district – An area in a capital city where many embassies are located.
🔄 Synonyms
diplomatic mission (n.) – A broader term for a country's representation abroad, which can include an embassy.
chancery (n.) – The building that houses a diplomatic embassy, especially its offices.
consulate (n.) – An office of a country in a foreign city, typically handling visas and aiding its citizens, often smaller than an embassy.
🚫 Antonyms
private residence (n.) – A home owned and used by an individual or family, as opposed to an official state building.
🌱 Derivatives
ambassador (n.) – The highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another nation.
ambassadorial (adj.) – Relating to an ambassador or their work.
📖 Cultural Story
The word evolved from the Latin root related to 'ambassador,' emphasizing a mission or service. Historically, an embassy is the central diplomatic presence abroad, representing sovereign power and facilitating international relations, reflecting its foundational role in statecraft.
Meaning 2：diplomatic mission (embassy)
embassy
/ˈembəsi/
n.
The group of people, including the ambassador and other officials, who work together to represent their country in a foreign land.
diplomatic mission
➕
/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk ˈmɪʃən/
n.
Refers to the collective body of diplomatic personnel, led by an ambassador, who represent their country's interests abroad.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The embassy was very helpful when I lost my passport abroad.
A statement acknowledging the assistance provided by the diplomatic staff.
🔗 Collocations
embassy staff – The employees and officials working at an embassy.
embassy official – A person holding a position of authority within the diplomatic mission.
embassy vehicle – A car with diplomatic license plates used by the mission.
🔄 Synonyms
diplomatic corps (n.) – The body of all diplomats accredited to a particular country or capital.
legation (n.) – A diplomatic mission headed by a minister, historically lower in rank than an embassy.
delegation (n.) – A group sent to represent or negotiate, not necessarily a permanent diplomatic body.
🚫 Antonyms
hostile force (n.) – A group representing adversarial or opposing interests, contrary to a diplomatic mission's purpose.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser