Definition

Adverb: - In a manner that conforms to or is recognized by a canon, rule, or general law: This describes an action performed according to established, authoritative principles, especially those of a religious or literary canon. - In a manner that is accepted as standard or authoritative: This describes something done in the most typical, orthodox, or officially recognized way.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The ceremony was performed canonically, following every ancient rite.
  • In this series, the events of the first book are considered canonically true.
  • The bishop acted canonically when appointing the new priest.

Advanced Usage

• "To be canonically installed/inducted": Refers to being formally placed into a religious office according to the prescribed laws of the church.
  • The new archbishop was canonically installed in a grand ceremony.
• Used in discussions of fictional universes (e.g., literature, film, comics) to distinguish official storylines from fan-created or non-official ones.
  • That character's backstory, as told by the original author, is the canonically correct version.

Variants and Related Words

• Canonical (adjective): Conforming to a general rule or accepted procedure; orthodox.
  • The canonical gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• Canon (noun): A general law, rule, principle, or criterion; a collection of authoritative works.
  • The literary canon includes works by Shakespeare and Dickens.

Synonyms

• Orthodoxly: In a conventional or authorized manner.
• Authoritatively: In a manner commanding acceptance as true.
• Properly: Correctly or suitably.

Antonyms

• Uncanonically: Not according to canonical rules.
• Heterodoxly: In a manner contrary to established doctrine.
• Unofficially: In a manner not authorized or recognized.

Adverb

1. in a canonical manner
   • the deacon was canonically inducted