adjective
Greek
also: Philosophy & Psychology
Platonic
Affectionate but non-sexual — used most often of close friendships.
Origin
Named for the Greek philosopher Plato, whose Symposium describes a kind of love that ascends from physical desire to the contemplation of beauty itself. Renaissance writers narrowed and softened the meaning to 'love without sex'. Plato himself was not talking about platonic friendships in the modern sense.
Modern usage
Standard English for close, non-romantic relationships. 'A platonic roommate', 'a platonic best friend'. Carries a faint defensive note when said aloud — usually used to head off the implication of more.
Tags
friendship
love
non-sexual