Word
platonic
Phoneticspla·ton·ic, stress on the second syllable
US/pɫəˈtɑnɪk/
UK/plætˈɒnɪk/
Definition
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.
Examples
“They have a strictly platonic relationship.”
“After their brief attempt at dating, they realized they were much better suited to a platonic friendship.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
When referring to relationships, it is usually written with a lowercase 'p'; when referring to the philosophy of Plato, it is capitalised.
Real-World Examples
“This rollercoaster platonic relationship is with Stella, the girl she met at school shortly after moving from South Africa to the UK.” “The platonic ideal for Starship is full reusability, with both the first and second stages returning to the launch site and being re-stacked for launch within hours.” Etymology
From Latin Platōnicus. By surface analysis, Platon (“Plato”) + -ic (“relating to”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/platonic