adj Uncommon

Platonic

pluh-TO-nihk

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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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Platonics

Test yourself on “Platonic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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

Antonyms

sexual sensual passionate romantic

Related words

sexual animal sad patient emotional dedicated passion intense

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 is the opposite of Platonic?

Opposites of "Platonic" include sexual, sensual, passionate, romantic.

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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sexual animal sad patient emotional dedicated passion intense