canonize
/ˈkæn.ə.naɪz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
- 1.
To officially declare someone a saint in the Christian church. This is a formal religious act.
- The church will canonize the nun next year.
- She was canonized after many reports of miracles.
- Only the pope can canonize a saint.
- 2.
To treat someone or something as perfect, special, or untouchable. This use is less common and often critical.
- We should not canonize every old tradition.
- The media canonized the athlete too quickly.
- He canonized his own opinion.
Adinary Nuance
Canonize is stronger and more formal than praise, honor, or celebrate. It usually means making someone a saint, not just admiring them. In the second sense, it suggests treating a person or idea as too perfect to question. Writers often use it to warn against blind admiration.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phong thánh
- Spanish
- canonizar
- Chinese
- 封圣
- Japanese
- 列聖する
- Korean
- 시성하다
Etymology
Canonize comes from Late Latin canonizare, from canon, meaning "rule" or "church law." It entered English through Old French in the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
canonize a saintbe canonized by the churchcanonize someone too quickly
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is canonize the same as praise?
- No. Praise is general admiration. Canonize is much stronger and often means making someone a saint.
- Is canonize used in everyday English?
- Not often. It is mainly used in religious writing or in formal criticism.
- What is the difference between canonize and glorify?
- Glorify means to praise highly. Canonize can mean that, but it also suggests treating someone as untouchable or saint-like.