Embassy: meaning, definitions and examples

An embassy is the main office representing one country in another, usually located in the capital city. It handles major diplomatic issues, such as negotiations and international relations.

• The American embassy in London is located near the River Thames.
• She applied for a visa at the French embassy.

A consulate is a branch of the embassy that deals with minor diplomatic matters, often located in other major cities apart from the capital. It provides services to citizens living or traveling abroad, like issuing visas and helping in emergencies.

• He lost his passport and had to go to the Canadian consulate to get a new one.
• The consulate assisted the stranded tourists in finding accommodations.

A legation is an outdated term for a diplomatic representative office. It was mostly used in the context of second-rank diplomatic missions. Nowadays, the term is rarely used, as embassies have become more common.

• Historical documents mention the British legation in 19th-century Japan.
• During the era, the legation facilitated numerous trade agreements between the two nations.

A diplomatic mission is a general term for a group of people from one country present in another country for diplomatic purposes. It includes embassies and consulates.

• The diplomatic mission worked tirelessly to resolve the international conflict.
• Members of the diplomatic mission attended the official state dinner.

An embassy is the main office of one country’s diplomatic representatives in the capital city of another country. It is usually headed by an ambassador.

• We went to the American embassy to apply for a visa.
• The ambassador met with officials at the embassy.

A consulate is a smaller version of an embassy that is located in cities other than the capital. It handles minor diplomatic issues and provides services to citizens traveling or living in the host country.

• I lost my passport, so I went to the consulate for help.
• The consulate offers services like visa applications and notary services.

A legation is a type of diplomatic office similar to an embassy but is lower in rank. It is headed by a minister rather than an ambassador. It is not commonly used in modern diplomacy.

• In the early 20th century, the legation handled foreign affairs in that region.
• The foreign minister decided to upgrade the legation to a full embassy.

A diplomatic mission refers to any group of people sent to another country for diplomatic purposes. It can include embassies, consulates, and other specific diplomatic delegations.

• The diplomatic mission arrived to negotiate the trade deal.
• He was part of a diplomatic mission that focused on environmental issues.

Use 'embassy' to refer to the main official office of one country in another country, usually located in the capital city. It handles major diplomatic activities such as intergovernmental discussions and international relations.

• She went to the embassy to apply for a visa.
• The embassy issued a statement regarding the new trade agreement.

A 'consulate' is typically found in major cities other than the capital. It deals with minor diplomatic tasks, such as helping citizens with travel issues, passports, and visas.

• He went to the consulate in Chicago to renew his passport.
• The consulate provided assistance to tourists in need.

The term 'legation' is considered outdated and was commonly used before World War II. It refers to a diplomatic office similar to an embassy but of lower rank, typically headed by a minister rather than an ambassador.

• In the early 1900s, the legation worked to promote trade between countries.
• The historical building once served as a legation.

This term broadly refers to a group of people from one country working in another country to represent their home country. It encompasses embassies, consulates, and other forms of diplomatic representation.

• She was part of the diplomatic mission sent to discuss climate policy.
• The diplomatic mission aimed to strengthen international cooperation.