Plato
/ˈpleɪtoʊ/noun
A major ancient Greek philosopher whose ideas deeply shaped Western thought.
Did you know?Plato is traditionally linked to Greek platys, meaning “broad” or “wide,” a nickname many scholars think referred to his broad build, not his ideas.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Plátōn
“A personal name, likely a nickname meaning “broad” or “wide””
Ancient Greek
Greek
platýs
“Broad, wide, flat”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Plato
“The Greek philosopher’s name adopted into Latin”
Middle English
English
Plato
“The classical philosopher known through learned tradition”
Modern English
English
Plato
“The name of the ancient Greek philosopher”