ENGLISH
REFERENCE

platonic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //pɫəˈtɑnɪk// UK //plætˈɒnɪk// pla·ton·ic

adj. describing a close relationship between two people that is friendly and loving but does not involve sex.

adj. characterised by a close relationship that is spiritual or intellectual rather than physical or sexual. Often used to distinguish deep friendships from romantic or sexual partnerships.


SIMPLE

They have a strictly platonic relationship.

CONTEXTUAL

After their brief attempt at dating, they realized they were much better suited to a platonic friendship.

COMPLEX

The film explores the nuances of a lifelong platonic bond, challenging the cultural assumption that a deep emotional intimacy must eventually lead to a romantic encounter.

Origin

From Latin Platōnicus. By surface analysis, Platon (“Plato”) + -ic (“relating to”).

Usage

When referring to relationships, it is usually written with a lowercase 'p'; when referring to the philosophy of Plato, it is capitalised.

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