canonize

/'kænənaiz/

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Explanation of the Word "Canonize"

Definition: The verb "canonize" means to officially declare someone a saint in the Christian church, especially after that person has performed a miracle. It can also mean to treat someone or something as very important or sacred.

Advanced Usage:

In literature and discussions, "canonize" can refer to recognizing a work, idea, or person as part of a 'canon,' which means a collection of works considered representative or essential in a particular field. For example, "The author was canonized in the literary world for her groundbreaking novels."

Word Variants:

• Canonization (noun): The process of declaring someone a saint.
  • Example: "The canonization of the famous monk took place last year."
• Canonized (adjective): Describes someone who has been declared a saint.
  • Example: "She is a canonized figure in history."

Different Meanings:

1. Religious Meaning: Officially recognizing a person as a saint.
2. Cultural/Social Meaning: Treating someone or something as extremely important or worthy of respect.

Synonyms:

• For religious meaning: Beatify, Sanctify
• For general meaning: Honor, Venerate, Exalt

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "canonize," you might encounter expressions that convey a similar idea of elevating status, such as: - "Put on a pedestal": To treat someone as perfect or worthy of great admiration. - Example: "After his achievements, many people put him on a pedestal."

Summary:

"Canonize" is a verb that means to declare someone a saint or to treat someone as very important. It can be used in religious contexts as well as in a broader cultural sense.

Academic

Verb

1. treat as a sacred person
   • He canonizes women
2. declare (a dead person) to be a saint
   • After he was shown to have performed a miracle, the priest was canonized

Synonyms

• canonise
• saint