adj
Platonic
pluh-TO-nihk
adj
1
Describing a close relationship or affection that is friendly rather than romantic or sexual.
"They've stayed close friends, but it's always been completely platonic."
noun
1
A follower of the philosopher Plato's ideas; a Platonist.
"The seminar examined the arguments of several ancient Platonics."
How to Use Platonic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a relationship that's affectionate but not romantic — "just friends."
Common mistake
Capitalize "Platonic" when referring to the philosopher Plato's actual ideas; lower-case "platonic" is standard for the everyday "just friends" sense.
Common pairings
platonic friendship
purely platonic
platonic love
Word Forms
Platonics plural
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They've stayed close friends, but it's always been completely _____.
Etymology
From the name of the Greek philosopher Plato, whose ideas about pure, non-physical forms of love and beauty gave rise to the adjective.