Neoplatonism

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

/ ˌni oʊˈpleɪt nˌɪz əm /

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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.

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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. 2023

How to use Neoplatonism in a sentence

Is it known only in brief moments of Neoplatonic ecstasy, to which all the acts of life should be stepping stones?
Is Life Worth Living?|William Hurrell Mallock
Daehne had tried to show that he was Neoplatonic, and Reinkens has maintained that he was essentially Aristotelian.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4|Various
After lecturing in her native city, Hypatia ultimately became the recognized head of the Neoplatonic school there (c. 400).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 2|Various
It was in keeping with the mystic and Neoplatonic current of the time, and afforded it the highest imaginable satisfaction.
History of Dogma, Volume 2 (of 7)|Adolph Harnack

In the seventh Book of his confessions he has acknowledged his indebtedness to the reading of Neoplatonic writings.
History of Dogma, Volume 1 (of 7)|Adolph Harnack

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