platform
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the area next to the tracks in a station where you wait for a train.
n.the raised structure alongside railway tracks providing passenger access to trains.
Simple“The train for London will depart from platform four in ten minutes.”
In context“Commuters crowded onto the narrow platform, peering down the tracks for any sign of the delayed morning express.”
Synonymstracksidequay - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a flat, raised surface for people to stand on when giving a speech or performing.
n.a raised flooring or stage used for public speaking, musical performances, or technical work.
Simple“The mayor stepped up onto the platform to address the crowd.”
In context“The temporary wooden platform creaked under the weight of the brass band as they prepared for the opening ceremony.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a computer system, operating system, or website that lets other programs or services run.
n.a major piece of software, such as an operating system or an online service, that serves as a foundation for other applications.
Simple“You can download the app on any mobile platform.”
In context“The developers decided to migrate their database to a cloud-based platform to improve global accessibility and reduce server costs.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a way or place to share your ideas with many people.
n.a metaphorical space or opportunity to express one's opinions or reach a significant audience.
Simple“Winning the award gave her a platform to talk about climate change.”
In context“Social media has provided a global platform for activists who were previously ignored by traditional news outlets.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.the set of goals and ideas that a political party promises to follow.
n.the declared policy or set of principles of a political party or candidate.
Simple“The party's platform focuses on improving healthcare and education.”
In context“The candidate's economic platform was built on the promise of significant tax reform and increased infrastructure spending.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.shoes with very thick soles that make the wearer taller.
n.a type of footwear featuring a thick sole, often several inches deep, intended to increase the wearer's height.
Simple“She wore silver platforms to the party to match her dress.”
In context“Fashion trends in the 1970s were defined by bold patterns and towering platform boots.”
- 07 C1 Advanced
v.to give someone the chance to be heard or seen by many people.
v.to provide someone with an opportunity to express their views or to make a topic visible to the public.
Simple“The festival aims to platform young artists from the local area.”
In context“Critics argued that the university should not platform speakers who promote hate speech under the guise of academic freedom.”
Usage platforms like
From Middle French plateforme (“a flat form”), from plate (“flat”) (from Old French plat, from Ancient Greek πλατύς (platús, “flat”)) + forme (“form”) (from Latin fōrma (“shape; figure; form”)); compare flatscape.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.