To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Pla·to·nism | \ ˈplā-tə-ˌni-zəm 
\
\Definition of Platonism
1a : the philosophy of Plato stressing especially that actual things are copies of transcendent ideas and that these ideas are the objects of true knowledge apprehended by reminiscence
b : neoplatonism
2 : platonic love
Other Words from Platonism
Platonist \ ˈplā-tə-nist \ noun
\ nounPlatonistic \ ˌplā-tə-ˈni-stik \ adjective
\ adjectiveKeep scrolling for more
Comments on Platonism
What made you want to look up Platonism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Eponym Quiz
- Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- The Eponym Quiz
Do you know these words that come from names?
Take the quiz - Liar, Liar Quiz
Test your knowledge of words for lies, liars, and those being lied to. In other words, everyone.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share Platonism
Time Traveler for Platonism
The first known use of Platonism was circa 1570
See more words from the same year