Platonic love
Americannoun
-
Platonism. love of the Idea of beauty, seen as terminating an evolution from the desire for an individual and the love of physical beauty to the love and contemplation of spiritual or ideal beauty.
-
Usually platonic love an intimate companionship or relationship, especially between two people of different genders, that is characterized by the absence of sexual involvement; a spiritual affection.
Etymology
Origin of Platonic love
First recorded in 1635–45
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said the message he wanted to leave young people attending the festival from around the world was that while abstract, platonic love exists "in orbit", tangible love can change the world.
From Reuters • Aug. 4, 2023
I've dubbed it like a platonic love story between these two friends who bond over their love of LeBron James and basketball.
From Salon • Jun. 4, 2023
But with TV shows like Ted Lasso opening up the discussion about platonic love and brotherly affection, there could be a rich new lyrical seam for musicians to explore.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2023
We seldom talk about big, profound platonic love.
From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2023
And this intellectual love, which is nothing but the so-called platonic love, is a means to dominion and possession.
From Tragic Sense Of Life by Flitch, J. E. Crawford (John Ernest Crawford)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
