Platonical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to or characterized by a close relationship that is affectionate but not romantic or sexual in nature
2. Describing a relationship that fosters deep emotional ties without any sexual intimacy
3. Characterizing a bond that is based on deep affection and emotional connection while lacking romantic or sexual elements

Etymology: The adjective "platonical" is a bit of a puzzle. It is built on "Platonic," the adjective from the name of the Greek philosopher Plato, with an extra "-al" added on top, so English ends up with two adjective endings for one idea. The meaning we use today, a friendship or bond without sexual involvement, is a much later development than the philosophy it comes from. The original link is Plato's own teaching. His ideas about ideal forms and the love of wisdom gave rise to the adjective "Platonic" in English, used first for matters relating to Plato's philosophy. Over time the word drifted toward talk of love that was intellectual or spiritual rather than physical, which is the sense that gave rise to the modern meaning. The form "platonical" appears alongside "Platonic" as a variant, and the Oxford English Dictionary records it as an adjective in its own right. Its ending is simply the common adjective suffix "-al," the same one found in words like "musical" or "logical," which is why the form looks like a doubled version of the more familiar word.