Platonic vs. Plutonic — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
Platonic refers to a non-sexual, intellectual, and spiritual relationship, and Plutonic relates to the deep geologic formations associated with volcanic activity, derived from Pluto, the god of the underworld.

Difference Between Platonic and Plutonic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Platonic and Plutonic are distinct terms emanating from diverse realms of knowledge. Platonic, originating from the philosophies of the ancient philosopher Plato, usually pertains to relationships or love that are intellectual and spiritual rather than physical, often implying a close bond that is free from sexual involvement. It explores interactions and connections based on mental and emotional compatibilities and shared values and interests, enriching the depths of human experiences without venturing into the romantic or physical dimensions.

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Sep 25, 2023
Each term, with its unique context and significance, contributes to the rich tapestry of human knowledge and understanding. Platonic, with its emphasis on intellectual and spiritual connections, enriches the human experience by offering a perspective on relationships that transcend physical attractions and desires. Plutonic, by elucidating the characteristics and origins of deep geological formations, enhances our comprehension of the Earth’s structure and evolution, paving the way for further discoveries and innovations in geoscience.

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Sep 25, 2023
Conversely, Plutonic is a term deeply embedded in geology, referring to igneous rock formations that solidify below the Earth’s surface. It is derived from Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, symbolizing the infernal and subterranean aspects of these geological features. Plutonic rocks, such as granite, are characterized by their coarse-grained texture, formed from the slow cooling of molten magma beneath the Earth's crust, revealing insights into the dynamic and transformative processes occurring in the planet’s interior.

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Sep 25, 2023
While Platonic involves the abstract, metaphysical aspects of human connections, emphasizing the purity and transcendence of non-physical love and friendship, Plutonic delves into the tangible, concrete realm of earth science, unraveling the mysteries of terrestrial formations and phenomena. The essence of Platonic concepts is to elevate human understanding and interaction above the sensual and corporeal, seeking higher forms of love and knowledge. Plutonic, however, concentrates on the material and the subterranean, providing a glimpse into the unseen and enigmatic layers of the geological world.

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Sep 25, 2023
Comparison Chart
Origin
Derived from the philosopher Plato’s ideas on non-physical love and intellectual companionship.
Named after Pluto, the god of the underworld, represents subterranean geological formations.

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Sep 25, 2023
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Nature
Abstract, relating to intellectual and spiritual relationships devoid of sexual implications.
Concrete, pertains to igneous rock formations occurring beneath the Earth's surface.

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Representation
Represents pure, transcendent forms of love and friendship.
Represents the unseen, enigmatic aspects of the Earth’s structure.

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Application
Used to describe relationships, ideas, or forms of love.
Used to categorize and study specific geological formations and phenomena.

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Sep 25, 2023
Definitions
Platonic➦
Characterized by a love that is spiritual and not physical.
Platonic love focuses on a deeper connection, transcending physical attraction.

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Plutonic➦
Referring to igneous rock that has solidified below the Earth’s surface.
Granite is a common example of a plutonic rock formed from slowly cooled magma.

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Platonic➦
Pertaining to ideas that are purely intellectual and not physical or practical.
The concept of a utopian society remains largely platonic in the real world.

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Plutonic➦
Pertaining to the processes occurring within the Earth’s crust and resulting in the formation of intrusive rocks.
Plutonic activities provide insights into the dynamic transformations within the Earth's interior.

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Sep 25, 2023
Platonic➦
Referring to a relationship marked by intellectual connection and devoid of sexual involvement.
Their friendship was purely platonic, built on mutual respect and shared interests.

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Plutonic➦
Related to the underworld or the god Pluto; infernal.
In ancient mythology, the plutonic realms were often associated with the afterlife and the subterranean.

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Platonic➦
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy
Platonic dialogues.
Platonic ontology.

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Mar 11, 2022
Plutonic➦
Denoting the geological features and substances formed by the solidification of magma below the Earth’s crust.
Plutonic rocks offer clues about the mineral composition and thermal history of the Earth’s subsurface layers.

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Platonic➦
Often platonic Friendly or affectionate without involving sexual relations
Platonic love.

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Platonic➦
Neither sexual nor romantic in nature; being or exhibiting platonic love.
They are good friends, but their relationship is strictly platonic.

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Plutonic➦
(inorganic chemistry) Containing plutonium in a higher oxidation state.

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Plutonic➦
Of or pertaining to Pluto; Plutonian; hence, pertaining to the interior of the earth; subterranean.

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Platonic➦
Of or pertaining to Plato, or his philosophy, school, or opinions.

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Plutonic➦
Of, pertaining to, or designating, the system of the Plutonists; igneous; as, the Plutonic theory.

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Plutonic➦
Of igneous rock that has solidified beneath the earth's surface; granite or diorite or gabbro

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Plutonic➦
Characterized by phenomena occurring beneath the surface of the Earth, especially related to volcanic activity.
The study of plutonic formations reveals the intricate patterns and forces shaping the terrestrial landscape.

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Platonic➦
Of or relating to or characteristic of Plato or his philosophy;
Platonic dialogues

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Platonic➦
Relating to the philosophical views of Plato, especially concerning his theories about idealized forms.
The platonic ideals postulate the existence of perfect forms beyond perceived reality.

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Platonic➦
Denoting a close relationship in which there is no romance or sex.
They maintain a platonic bond, supporting each other’s goals and aspirations.

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FAQs
Does Platonic always refer to non-sexual relationships?
Yes, Platonic typically describes relationships that are intellectual and spiritual, devoid of sexual involvement.

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Sep 25, 2023
Can Plutonic rocks be found on the Earth’s surface?
Yes, Plutonic rocks, like granite, can be exposed on the surface due to erosional processes.

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Sep 25, 2023
Does Platonic only relate to friendships?
Primarily, but it also relates to Plato's philosophical ideas about love and reality.

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Can a Platonic relationship turn into a romantic one?
While Platonic relationships are non-sexual, it is possible for the nature of any relationship to evolve over time.

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Is Plutonic related to the dwarf planet Pluto?
No, Plutonic is derived from Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, and pertains to geological formations, not the celestial body.

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Is Platonic love idealized and unrealistic?
While Platonic love represents an ideal of intellectual and spiritual connection, such relationships can exist in real life.

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Is the study of Plutonic rocks important in geology?
Yes, studying Plutonic rocks helps in understanding the Earth’s composition, structure, and internal processes.

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Can a Platonic relationship exist between people who are attracted to each other?
Yes, it’s possible to maintain a Platonic relationship despite mutual attraction by prioritizing friendship and intellectual connection.

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Sep 25, 2023
Do Plutonic rocks only form from magma?
Yes, Plutonic rocks are specifically igneous rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface.

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Is granite the only type of Plutonic rock?
No, there are several types of Plutonic rocks, including diorite and gabbro, each with unique compositions and characteristics.

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Sep 25, 2023
Can Platonic relationships involve physical affection?
Platonic relationships can involve affectionate gestures like hugging, but they are non-sexual and non-romantic in nature.

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Sep 25, 2023
Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform.
Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.