Home › Technology › Digital Communication › Platform

Platform

PLAT-form /ˈplætfɔːrm/

nounB2TOEFL

GeneralTechnical

A raised level surface; (computing) a system that supports other software or allows users to create, share, or interact.

In computing, it refers to the underlying hardware and software environment (e.g., operating system) or a service that facilitates interaction (e.g., social media platform).

The story behind the word. The word 'platform' comes from Old French 'plateforme', a compound of 'plat' (flat) and 'forme' (form). It originally referred to a ground plan or a flat, raised structure. In the 17th century, it began to be used metaphorically for a statement of principles, and much later, in the 20th century, it acquired its computing sense of a foundational system.

Word relationships

System: Broader, can be any organized set of components.
Framework: Often refers to a conceptual or structural basis for something, especially software.
Medium: A means or channel of communication, but less about the underlying structure.

Component: A part of a larger system, not the foundational system itself.
Standalone: Operating independently, not relying on a larger system.

Commonly confused with

Network: A 'platform' is a specific environment or service; a 'network' is the interconnected infrastructure.

Collocations

social media platform
computing platform
development platform
political platform
launch platform

Idioms & expressions

give someone a platform

Example sentences

"Many businesses use social media `platforms` to reach their target audience." Referring to social media.
"The new application is designed to run on multiple operating system `platforms`, including Windows and macOS." In software development.
"The candidate's `platform` focused on economic growth and environmental protection." About a political stance.

Memory hook

Think of a raised, `flat form` where you stand to speak or build something. A digital `platform` is a foundational space for interaction. Flat form for building

When not to use

Do not use 'platform' to refer to a simple website or application if it doesn't provide a foundational environment or a space for user-generated content/interaction.

Fun facts

The term 'platform' in computing became prominent with the rise of operating systems like DOS and Windows.
A 'political platform' refers to the set of principles and policies a political party or candidate supports.