Neoplatonism

noun

Neo·​pla·​to·​nism ˌnē-ō-ˈplā-tə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Neoplatonism (audio)
1
: Platonism modified in later antiquity to accord with Aristotelian, post-Aristotelian, and eastern conceptions that conceives of the world as an emanation from an ultimate indivisible being with whom the soul is capable of being reunited in trance or ecstasy
2
: a doctrine similar to ancient Neoplatonism
Neoplatonic adjective
Neoplatonist noun

Examples of Neoplatonism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The building’s architects were grounded in geometric theory and influenced by a heady dose of Neoplatonism. The New Yorker, 31 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

neo- + platonism, after German Neuplatonismus

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Neoplatonism was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near Neoplatonism

Cite this Entry

“Neoplatonism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Neoplatonism. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Neoplatonism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!