PLATONIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does Platonic mean? 

• PLATONIC (adjective)
  The adjective PLATONIC has 2 senses:

1. of or relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy

2. free from physical desire

  Familiarity information: PLATONIC used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PLATONIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

Platonic dialogues

Pertainym:

Plato (ancient Athenian philosopher; pupil of Socrates; teacher of Aristotle (428-347 BC))

Derivation:

Plato (ancient Athenian philosopher; pupil of Socrates; teacher of Aristotle (428-347 BC))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Free from physical desire

Context example:

platonic love

Similar:

passionless (not passionate)

 Context examples 

The eleventh house, lit up by this new moon for you, often reflects a community of people—those you care about in a platonic way and vice versa—who will cheer you on because they love your contribution to the world.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)