Embassy
/ˈɛm.bə.si/noun
A diplomatic mission or the official residence of an ambassador.
Did you know?“Embassy” ultimately comes from a Germanic root meaning “to go about on a task,” which is why its deepest history is about being *sent*—not just speaking, but carrying power from one court to another.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*meǵh-
“to be able, have power”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*makōną
“to make, do”
Old High German
OHG
mahhōn
“to make, do”
Late Latin
Latin
ambactus
“servant, attendant”
Old French
Old French
embassade
“an embassy, mission; the office or function of an ambassador”
Middle English
English
ambassade
“a diplomatic mission or envoyship”
Modern English
English
embassy
“a diplomatic mission or the building housing it”