What does "platonist" mean?
A member of the philosophical school of thought established by Plato; a believer in Platonism.
Platonist
noun
noun ·3 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A member of the philosophical school of thought established by Plato; a believer in Platonism.
- Grammar: platonist is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abstract, abstract-leaning, adherent, idea-centered.
- Useful contrasts: Aristotelian, empirical, empiricist.
- Usage evidence: [St Augustine of Hippo] became of a Maniche, and of a platoniste a good christian.
How to use "platonist"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "platonist" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "platonist" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "platonist" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abstract" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A member of the philosophical school of thought established by Plato; a believer in Platonism.
"[St Augustine of Hippo] became of a Maniche, and of a platoniste a good christian."
- 2 Alternative form of Platonist. alt-of, alternative
"So attention to Quine and Putnam’s writings is important, not just to set the record straight, but because it reveals some new argumentative strategies for platonists to exploit."
- 3 an advocate of Platonism wordnet
- 4 One who holds similar beliefs, particularly that abstract ideas are real.
"I suspect that in their hearts most working mathematicians are Platonists, in that they take it as a matter of unassailable if unprovable fact that mathematical reality stands apart from the world, and is at least as real as the world, and possibly gives shape to the world, as Plato suggested."
- 5 A platonic lover. obsolete, rare
Example
"[St Augustine of Hippo] became of a Maniche, and of a platoniste a good christian."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "platonist"?
Common synonyms include: abstract, abstract-leaning, adherent, idea-centered, idealist, idealistic.
How do you use "platonist" in a sentence?
[St Augustine of Hippo] became of a Maniche, and of a platoniste a good christian.
Etymology
From Latin Platonista, from Plato + -ista, equivalent to Plato + -ist.