Platonic
/pləˈtɑːn.ɪk/noun
Relating to the Greek philosopher Plato or to a nonsexual, idealized relationship.
Did you know?The word is named after Plato, whose philosophy treated the visible world as only a shadow of higher, truer Forms—so “Platonic” originally points to an entire metaphysical system, not just friendship.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Plátōn
“Plato, the philosopher; literally a name traditionally associated with "broad" or "wide"”
Late Latin
Latin
Platonicus
“Of or belonging to Plato”
Middle French
Old French
platonique
“Relating to Plato or his philosophy”
16th Century
English
platonic
“Of or relating to Plato; later, idealized and nonsexual in character”
Modern English
English
platonic
“Nonsexual and emotionally close, or idealized rather than physical”