protocol
noun
Simple meaning
The official rules and guidelines for heads of state and other dignitaries.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
prohtuhkahlSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈpɹoʊtəkɑl
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
The official rules and guidelines for heads of state and other dignitaries, governing accepted behaviour in relations with other diplomatic representatives or over affairs of state.
computing
A set of formal rules describing how to transmit or exchange data, especially across a network.
computingcomputer science
Rules determining the format and transmission of data
Forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state
by extension
An accepted code of conduct; acceptable behaviour in a given situation or group.
Code of correct conduct
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: The official rules and guidelines for heads of state and other dignitaries, governing accepted behaviour in relations with other diplomatic representatives or over affairs of state.
Used this way, protocol is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It suits considered writing and prepared speech.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Official and authoritative
- Usage feel
- Formal and precise
Nearby words
- communications protocol , rarer, so it draws attention
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use protocol
- “Please follow the correct protocol for submitting your request.”noun
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More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
Synonyms
Sense: official rules and guidelines for heads of state and other dignitaries
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.