Canonized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Religion

• Catholic canonization involves a rigorous process that includes verifying miracles attributed to the person.
• The act is formalized by a papal proclamation, which is celebrated in a public ceremony known as a canonization mass.
• Individuals must have lived a life of virtue and have a lasting positive impact on their faith community.

Cultural Impact

• In modern contexts, the term has been adapted to describe authors or works that are accepted as the most important in literature or film.
• Certain literary figures and artists have gained 'canonized' status, generating debates about what work is considered essential.
• The process of determining what becomes 'canon' in popular culture is similar to religious canonization, though often more informal.

Psychology

• The concept of canonization in the church underlines society's need for role models to inspire morality and virtue.
• Studies suggest that revered figures bring a sense of belonging and community unity among followers.
• The desire to canonize someone reflects our human inclination to aspire to ideals and greatness.

Historical Context

• The formal process of canonization became established in the Catholic Church in the 11th century, with Pope Urban II being pivotal.
• Throughout history, many figures were retroactively canonized, helping shape their legacy within the faith.
• Canonization is also linked to sociopolitical dynamics, where individuals have been elevated for their contributions to society.

Main points about word origin

• The term originates from the Latin 'canonizare', which means 'to place in a canon or list'.
• It relates to the Greek word 'kanon', meaning 'rule' or 'measuring stick', highlighting a standard for holiness.
• The first recorded use in Western Christianity dates back to the 4th century.

The term 'canonize' originates from the Latin word 'canonizare,' which means 'to place on the list.' It evolved from the Greek word 'kanon,' meaning 'rule' or 'standard.' The process of canonization began in the early Christian communities as a way to recognize individuals who had led lives of exceptional virtue and were believed to be in heaven. Initially, the recognition of saints was informal, but by the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church established formal procedures for canonization, including rigorous investigations into the individual’s life and reports of miracles after their death. The formalization allowed the Church to maintain authority over the sainthood process and ensure that the criteria for sainthood aligned with Catholic teachings. Today, the Catholic Church maintains a clear, detailed process for canonization, reflecting a deeply rooted tradition in Christianity.

At rank #25,744, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25741 pitfall
• 25742 malting
• 25743 handset
• 25744 canonized
• 25745 reined
• 25746 chevron
• 25747 derailed
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