platform
Definitions
A raised level surface, especially one for people to stand on.
平台；讲台；月台
The declared policies and aims of a political party or candidate.
（政党或候选人的）政纲；政治立场
(Computing) the basic hardware or software environment on which other applications run.
（计算）平台；运行环境
An opportunity or means for expressing one's views.
（表达观点的）平台；舞台
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom French plate-forme (literally «flat form»). plat = flat (from L. plattus / Greek platys), form = shape. A platform is a flat form — first a physical flat surface, then a stage to stand on, then a political «stand,» then a software environment, then any space for expression. The compound is invisible in English but transparent in French.
Root form still carries 39 more wordsWhy It Means This
Platform is one of the most successfully metaphorical words in modern English. The literal flat-shape origin (French plate-forme) gave first the physical sense — a raised flat surface to stand on. Then by metaphor: a political platform is what a candidate «stands on,» a railway platform is where you stand to board, a stage is a performance platform. The 20th-century technology extension was natural: a computing platform is the «flat foundation» applications run on. And in the social-media era, «platform» means any space where voices are expressed. Each meaning preserves the «flat foundation supporting something» image.
Usage Guide
- Physical (neutral): 'a viewing platform,' 'an oil platform' — raised flat surface
- Transport (railway): 'platform 9,' 'train leaves from platform 4' — boarding area
- Political (formal): 'the party's platform on healthcare,' 'run on a platform of reform' — declared stand
- Computing (technical): 'cross-platform,' 'iOS platform,' 'platform-as-a-service'
- Social/media (modern): 'social media platform,' 'give them a platform' — venue for expression
Example Sentences
- 1.
The viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the valley.
- 2.
Your train leaves from platform 9.
- 3.
The candidate ran on a platform of education reform.
- 4.
Many startups build on cloud platforms.
- 5.
Social media gives ordinary people a platform.