platform

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a raised horizontal surface

   the speaker mounted the platform

2. 2
   noun

   a document stating the aims and principles of a political party

   their candidate simply ignored the party platform

3. 3
   noun

   A raised stage from which speeches are made and on which musical and other performances are made.

   Always, whether in the pulpit or on the platform, as in private conversation, there is an absolute simplicity about the man and his words; a simplicity, an earnestness, a complete honesty.

4. 4
   noun

   A place or an opportunity to express one's opinion.

   This new talk show will give a platform to everyday men and women.

5. 5
   noun

   Something that allows an enterprise to advance.

   Hidgson may actually feel England could have scored even more but this was the perfect first step on the road to Rio in 2014 and the ideal platform for the second qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Tuesday.

6. 6
   noun

   A political stance on a broad set of issues, which are called planks.

   Now if the earth could be enjoyed in such a manner as every one might have provision, as it may by this platform I have offered, then will the peace of the commonwealth be preserved, and men need not act so hypocritically as the clergy do, and others likewise, to get a living.

7. 7
   noun

   A raised structure or other area alongside rails or a driveway alongside which vehicles stop to take in and discharge passengers.

   We expressed our readiness, and in ten minutes were in the station wagon, rolling rapidly down the long drive, for it was then after nine.[…]As we reached the lodge we heard the whistle, and we backed up against one side of the platform as the train pulled up at the other.

8. 8
   noun

   Ellipsis of platform shoe (“a kind of high shoe with an extra layer between the inner and outer soles”).

   Now open the album cover! How fabulous! The four of them [the Pointer Sisters] in platforms of death, tacky gowns, and "reflections of."

Etymology

From Middle French plateforme (“a flat form”), from plate (“flat”) (from Old French plat, from Ancient Greek πλατύς (platús, “flat”)) + forme (“form”) (from Latin fōrma (“shape; figure; form”)); compare flatscape.