platonic

Where does the word "platonic" come from? It comes from Greek Platon, and was adopted directly into English (1630s).

Platonic’s story begins in Greek: Platon meant “a philosopher's name.” The ancient Greek philosopher whose ideas on pure, non-physical love shaped the term. It reached English by 1630s as platonic. Narrowed to describe affection or friendship without romantic or sexual involvement. Today, platonic means describing a close relationship without romantic or sexual involvement.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient Platon "a philosopher's name", the ancient Greek philosopher whose ideas on pure, non-physical love shaped the term.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1630s platonic "relating to friendship or affection without romance", narrowed to describe affection or friendship without romantic or sexual involvement.