Platonize

[ pleyt-n-ahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, Pla·to·nized, Pla·to·niz·ing.

1. to follow or adopt the doctrines of Plato.
2. to think or reason in the manner of Plato.

verb (used with object)

, Pla·to·nized, Pla·to·niz·ing.

1. to give a Platonic character to.
2. to explain in accordance with Platonic principles.

Other Words From

• Plato·ni·zation noun
• Plato·nizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Platonize¹

From the Greek word platōnízein, dating back to 1600–10. See Platonic, -ize

Example Sentences

The human creatures are seven: two Mediterranean servants who rut in the garden, two highly civilized Americans who platonize in the house, an ill-matched Irish couple who come for the afternoon, and their Cockney chauffeur.

From Time Magazine Archive

Words derived from proper names, and having direct reference to particular persons, places, sects, or nations, should begin with capitals; as, "Platonic, Newtonian, Greek, or Grecian, Romish, or Roman, Italic, or Italian, German, or Germanic, Swedish, Turkish, Chinese, Genoese, French, Dutch, Scotch, Welsh:" so, perhaps, "to Platonize, Grecize, Romanize, Italicize, Latinize, or Frenchify."

From Project Gutenberg

To study it, is to Platonize almost inevitably.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence it has happened that a very well-marked class of souls, namely those who delight in giving a spiritual, that is, an ethico-intellectual expression to every truth by exhibiting an ulterior end which is yet legitimate to it, are said to Platonize.

From Project Gutenberg

He cannot Platonize divine truth like his Puritan contemporary, John Howe. 

From Project Gutenberg