adj Uncommon

Platonic

pluh-TO-nihk

Platonic (adj) means describing a close relationship or affection that is friendly rather than romantic or sexual. Example: “They've stayed close friends, but it's always been completely platonic.”

adj

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

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 notes

In 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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Fill the gap

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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.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for Platonic

tonic ionic sonic ironic bionic iconic laconic Masonic chronic moronic demonic bubonic

See all rhymes for Platonic →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of Platonic?

"Platonic" (adj) means describing a close relationship or affection that is friendly rather than romantic or sexual.

What are the different meanings of Platonic?

"Platonic" has 2 main meanings: 1. Describing a close relationship or affection that is friendly rather than romantic or sexual; 2. A follower of the philosopher Plato's ideas; a Platonist.

How do you use Platonic in a sentence?

Example: "They've stayed close friends, but it's always been completely platonic."

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