Embassy: meaning, definitions and examples

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embassy

[ˈɛmbəsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

diplomatic relations

An embassy is the official residence or offices of an ambassador in a foreign country. It serves as the center of diplomatic activities and represents the interests of the ambassador's home country.

Synonyms

consulate, diplomatic mission, legation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embassy	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.
consulate	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.
legation	A legation is an outdated term for a diplomatic representative office.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 Historical documents mention the British legation in 19th-century Japan.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.
diplomatic mission	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.

Examples of usage

The embassy hosted a reception for foreign dignitaries.
She works at the British embassy in Paris.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

building

An embassy is a building or complex where the diplomatic mission is housed. It typically includes offices, residences, and facilities for official functions.

Synonyms

consulate, diplomatic mission, legation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embassy	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.
consulate	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.
legation	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.
diplomatic mission	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.

Examples of usage

The new embassy building was inaugurated last month.
The embassy is located in the heart of the capital city.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

authority

An embassy also refers to the authority or jurisdiction of an ambassador. It represents the power and influence of a country in a foreign land.

Synonyms

consulate, diplomatic mission, legation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embassy	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.
consulate	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.
legation	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.
diplomatic mission	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.

Examples of usage

The embassy has the final say in issuing visas.
The ambassador's actions reflect the embassy's stance.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of embassies dates back to ancient times, with notable examples in Roman and Byzantine politics.
The term 'embassy' comes from the Old Spanish word 'embajada,' which means a mission or delegation.
In the 17th century, the establishment of permanent embassies became common among European nations, shaping modern diplomacy.

Political Significance

Embassies play a crucial role in international relations, often serving as venues for negotiations and treaty discussions.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, signed in 1961, set the foundations for how embassies should operate and protect diplomats.
Embassies can influence foreign policy by acting as a bridge between nations, helping to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Cultural Influence

Embassies often host cultural events to showcase their country’s traditions, food, and arts, fostering better understanding.
They play a vital role in promoting tourism by providing information about their country to potential travelers.
Through educational programs, embassies help share knowledge about their nation's history and culture with citizens of the host country.

Security Aspects

Embassies are considered inviolable spaces under international law, meaning they cannot be entered without permission.
Many embassies have high-security measures in place to protect diplomats and sensitive information due to global tensions.
Security breaches at embassies, such as the 2012 attack in Benghazi, have raised awareness about the safety of diplomatic missions.

Technological Advances

Modern embassies utilize advanced communication technologies to maintain contact with their home countries and other embassies.
Digital diplomacy is becoming prominent, with embassies using social media platforms to engage with the public and share information.
Cybersecurity has become increasingly important for embassies to protect their data and systems from hackers and foreign entities.

Translations

Translations of the word "embassy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embaixada

🇮🇳 दूतावास

🇩🇪 Botschaft

🇮🇩 kedutaan

🇺🇦 посольство

🇵🇱 ambasada

🇯🇵 大使館

🇫🇷 ambassade

🇪🇸 embajada

🇹🇷 büyükelçilik

🇰🇷 대사관

🇸🇦 سفارة

🇨🇿 velvyslanectví

🇸🇰 veľvyslanectvo

🇨🇳 大使馆

🇸🇮 veleposlaništvo

🇮🇸 sendiráð

🇰🇿 елшілік

🇬🇪 საელჩო

🇦🇿 səfirlik

🇲🇽 embajada

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,175, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10172 unsuitable
10173 orifice
10174 promissory
10175 embassy
10176 spill
10177 warmed
10178 ventricle
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