Platonic
/pləˈtɒnɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or characteristic of the ideas of Plato or his followers.
/pləˈtɒnɪk/
Relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy.
She studied platonic philosophy in college.
💡 Simply: Imagine a perfect version of everything, like the ultimate idea of beauty or a great friendship. That's kind of platonic, like a concept that's not exactly real but it inspires the real things.
👶 For kids: Something that has to do with a smart person named Plato, who thought about perfect ideas.
More Examples
The artist was influenced by platonic ideals of beauty.
How It's Used
"The lecture explored the platonic ideals of beauty and justice."
Free from sexual desire or activity.
/pləˈtɒnɪk/
Denoting or relating to love that is not sexual.
Their relationship was purely platonic.
💡 Simply: When you really like someone as a friend, and there's no romance, just fun and connection, that's a platonic relationship. Like best friends!
👶 For kids: When you like someone as a friend, but not in a lovey-dovey way.
More Examples
They enjoyed a platonic friendship.
The author described a platonic love between the characters.
How It's Used
"They had a platonic friendship that lasted for years."
"Their feelings for each other were purely platonic."
From the name of the Greek philosopher Plato, referring to his concept of ideal forms and, by extension, love or affection not based on sexual desire.
The term's use, particularly in the context of non-sexual relationships, increased during the Renaissance, drawing from interpretations of Plato's dialogues.
Memory tip
Think of Plato's world of perfect forms.