Neoplatonism

[ nee-oh-pleyt-n-iz-uhm ]

/ ˌni oʊˈpleɪt nˌɪz əm /

Save This Word!

noun

Sometimes neoplatonism . a philosophical system, originated in the 3rd century a.d. by Plotinus, founded chiefly on Platonic doctrine and Eastern mysticism, with later influences from Christianity. It holds that all existence consists of emanations from the One with whom the soul may be reunited.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Neoplatonism

First recorded in 1835–45; neo- + Platonism

OTHER WORDS FROM Neoplatonism

Ne·o·pla·ton·ic

[nee-oh-pluh-ton-ik], /ˌni oʊ pləˈtɒn ɪk/, adjectiveNe·o·pla·to·nist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use Neoplatonism in a sentence

Duke was a state representative whose neo-Nazi alliances were disgorged in media reports during his run for governor in 1991.
The Price of Steve Scalise’s Silence|Jason Berry|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Although Southern did not automatically equal neo-Confederate, at times the distinction could easily get lost.
Steve Scalise Shows There’s a Fine Line Between Confederate & Southern|Lloyd Green|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But damn, the music is catchy—a neo-soul aural assault of horns, electro swirls, yelps, funky basslines, and harmonized vocals.
The 14 Best Songs of 2014: Bobby Shmurda, Future Islands, Drake, and More|Marlow Stern|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In contrast to Obamacare, a neo-WPA would have been a difficult target for the GOP.
Time to Bring Back the Truman Democrats|Joel Kotkin|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Donetsk, formerly a make-believe republic, is turning into a little neo-Soviet state.
East Ukraine: Back in the USSR|Jamie Dettmer|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was the purest Platonism at bottomOf all his feelings.
My Recollections of Lord Byron|Teresa Guiccioli
The Neo-conservative programme should tell us what is meant by the liberties of the people.
The Contemporary Review, January 1883|Various
This is what the "Neo-conservatives" propose to do with their recent discovery.
The Contemporary Review, January 1883|Various
This is a field in which Neo-conservatism can reap no harvest.
The Contemporary Review, January 1883|Various
It was in the Neo valley that the supreme efforts of the earthquake were manifested.
A Study of Recent Earthquakes|Charles Davison

British Dictionary definitions for Neoplatonism

Neo-Platonism

Neoplatonism

/ (ˌniːəʊˈpleɪtəˌnɪzəm) /

noun

a philosophical system which was first developed in the 3rd century ad as a synthesis of Platonic, Pythagorean, and Aristotelian elements, and which, although originally opposed to Christianity, later incorporated it. It dominated European thought until the 13th century and re-emerged during the Renaissance

Derived forms of Neo-Platonism

Neo-Platonic (ˌniːəʊpləˈtɒnɪk), adjectiveNeo-Platonist, noun, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012