Platonically

[ pluh-ton-ik-lee, pley- ]

adverb

1. in a way that relates to or is influenced by the doctrines of Plato, especially his elevation of the spiritual or ideal over the physical and particular:

   These reminders of Jesus’ physical sufferings were necessary for certain Platonically inclined Christian philosophers who had no doubts about Jesus’ full divinity but were loath to admit his full humanity.

2. Usually pla·ton·i·cal·ly. in a nonromantic way that is free from sexual desire:

   There was a woman he saw platonically; they went to movies or dinner together, and that was all.

Other Words From

• an·ti-Pla·ton·i·cal·ly adverb
• pro-Pla·ton·i·cal·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Platonically¹

Platonic ( def ) + -ally ( def )

Example Sentences

Best friends can often describe the moment when they platonically fell in love with each other.

From The Daily Beast

Tiny invited Don Roberto to open the dance with her, and that platonically enamoured gentleman consented with a grand flourish.

From Project Gutenberg

Both love Clitandre, but Armande loves him platonically, while Henriette loves him with womanly affection.

From Project Gutenberg

He loved the old painters, but platonically; their works did not lead him astray.

From Project Gutenberg

Voltaire and Rousseau were the fashion, and cultured society was platonically enamoured of the Rights of Man.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Carlyle introduced a style of thinking about Knox which may be called platonically Puritan.

From Project Gutenberg