neoplatonic

the term 'neoplatonic' is a modern compound, first used in the 19th century to describe the philosophical school now known as neoplatonism. it combines the greek prefix 'neo-' (new) with 'platonic', which itself derives from the name of the philosopher plato. the construction follows a clear pattern in intellectual history where 'neo-' is prefixed to an existing school of thought to denote its later revival or reinterpretation. thus, 'neoplatonic' literally means 'new platonic', signifying a later development that built upon, synthesized, and extended the original doctrines of plato with other influences, particularly mystical and religious ideas.

Structure: neo (new) + platonic (relating to plato) - neo: from greek 'neos', meaning 'new'. serves as a prefix indicating a revived or modified form. - platonic: from the name 'plato', the ancient greek philosopher, via latin 'platonicus'. the suffix '-ic' forms an adjective meaning 'of or pertaining to'. here, it denotes a connection to plato's philosophy.