Platonic
/pləˈtɑːnɪk/adjective
Describing a friendship or relationship that's close but not sexual or romantic.
They had a platonic friendship, always supporting one another without any romantic feelings.
Often appears as...
- platonic relationship
- platonic friendship
adjective
Related to the philosophy of Plato, a famous ancient Greek philosopher.
He spent years dedicating himself to platonic studies, deeply immersed in Plato's works.
Often appears as...
- platonic philosophy
- platonic concept
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Describing a friendship or relationship that's close but not sexual or romantic.
They had a platonic friendship, always supporting one another without any romantic feelings.
Often appears as...
- platonic relationship
- platonic friendship
adjective
Related to the philosophy of Plato, a famous ancient Greek philosopher.
He spent years dedicating himself to platonic studies, deeply immersed in Plato's works.
Often appears as...
- platonic philosophy
- platonic concept
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Not Love Related
Platonic stresses the absence of romance in a close relationship.
Despite their deep conversations, their bond remained strictly platonic.
Pro Tip 2/3Often Misunderstood
People might mistakenly assume 'platonic' means a less important friendship which isn't true.
Their platonic friendship was as valuable as any romance.
Pro Tip 3/3Gender Neutral
Platonic relationships can involve people of any gender without romantic expectations.
She cherished her platonic relationship with her mentor, regardless of their gender differences.
Compare with
chasteidealisticintellectualspiritualtheoretical
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Video examples
Why US Laws Must Expand...
I've supported same sex couples. But also the many family forms beyond marriage, like platonic partners who are raising a child together or sharing finances without a romantic relationship. Or grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
Video examples
The case of the missing...
except here I was climbing the platonic peaks like Romeo on a second date. I was there for the dame. She had eyes like imaginary numbers and curves that went on forever. Said she wanted to go home.
Video examples
Why US Laws Must Expand...
I've supported same sex couples. But also the many family forms beyond marriage, like platonic partners who are raising a child together or sharing finances without a romantic relationship. Or grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
Video examples
The case of the missing...
except here I was climbing the platonic peaks like Romeo on a second date. I was there for the dame. She had eyes like imaginary numbers and curves that went on forever. Said she wanted to go home.
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Isabel Lucas
Australian Actress
People instantly assume you can't have a platonic friendship with someone of the opposite sex. I think this may be specific to L.A. - or America.
Quote examples
Olivia Wilde
American Actress
I have a great pack of female friends, but I also have a lot of guy friends. I believe that platonic relationship is entirely possible.
Quote examples
Gilbert Gottfried
American Comedian
I can't even find someone for a platonic relationship, much less the kind where someone wants to see me naked.
Quote examples
Gail Honeyman
Scottish Writer
I wanted to show platonic friendship between men and women, because I think it is underutilised in fiction.
Quote examples
Roger Penrose
English Physicist
But I think it is a serious issue to wonder about the other platonic absolutes of say beauty and morality.
Quote examples
Austin O'Malley
American Scientist
Show me a genuine case of platonic friendship, and I shall show you two old or homely faces.
Quote examples
Raveena Tandon
Indian Actress
I do believe men and women can share healthy, long-lasting platonic relationships.
Quote examples
Tom Sturridge
English Actor
I don't have a general archetypal platonic shadow, 'acting' concept about it.
Quote examples
Tim Matheson
American Actor
I went to the prom with a girlfriend of my sister's, a platonic date.
Quote examples
Noah Centineo
American Actor
There's something so great about platonic intimacy.
Quote examples
Isabel Lucas
Australian Actress
People instantly assume you can't have a platonic friendship with someone of the opposite sex. I think this may be specific to L.A. - or America.
Quote examples
Olivia Wilde
American Actress
I have a great pack of female friends, but I also have a lot of guy friends. I believe that platonic relationship is entirely possible.
Quote examples
Gilbert Gottfried
American Comedian
I can't even find someone for a platonic relationship, much less the kind where someone wants to see me naked.
Quote examples
Gail Honeyman
Scottish Writer
I wanted to show platonic friendship between men and women, because I think it is underutilised in fiction.
Quote examples
Roger Penrose
English Physicist
But I think it is a serious issue to wonder about the other platonic absolutes of say beauty and morality.
Quote examples
Austin O'Malley
American Scientist
Show me a genuine case of platonic friendship, and I shall show you two old or homely faces.
Quote examples
Raveena Tandon
Indian Actress
I do believe men and women can share healthy, long-lasting platonic relationships.
Quote examples
Tom Sturridge
English Actor
I don't have a general archetypal platonic shadow, 'acting' concept about it.
Quote examples
Tim Matheson
American Actor
I went to the prom with a girlfriend of my sister's, a platonic date.
Quote examples
Noah Centineo
American Actor
There's something so great about platonic intimacy.
Example 1 of 10
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