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Canonizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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canonizing

 

[ ˈkænənaɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

religious context

Canonizing refers to the formal process by which the Church declares a deceased person to be a saint. This recognition requires the person to have led a life of exceptional holiness and virtue. The process involves thorough investigation of the person's life, miracles attributed to them, and testimonies from witnesses. Once canonized, the saint is venerated in the Church and is considered an intercessor before God.

Synonyms

beatifying, officially recognizing, sanctifying

Examples of usage

  • The Pope is responsible for canonizing saints.
  • Canonizing a person often involves extensive research.
  • Many believe that canonizing someone brings more believers to the faith.

Translations

Translations of the word "canonizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 canonização

🇮🇳 संत बनाना

🇩🇪 Heiligsprechung

🇮🇩 kanonisasi

🇺🇦 канонізація

🇵🇱 kanonizacja

🇯🇵 聖人認定

🇫🇷 canonisation

🇪🇸 canonización

🇹🇷 kanozasyon

🇰🇷 성인 인정

🇸🇦 تقديس

🇨🇿 kanonizace

🇸🇰 kanonizácia

🇨🇳 封圣

🇸🇮 kanonizacija

🇮🇸 heilagur

🇰🇿 канондау

🇬🇪 კანონიზაცია

🇦🇿 kanonizasiya

🇲🇽 canonización

Word origin

The term 'canonize' comes from the late Latin word 'canonizare,' which derives from 'canon,' meaning 'a rule or standard.' In ecclesiastical terms, 'canon' was used to refer to a list or catalog, especially a list of sacred texts or recognized saints. The process of canonization developed over centuries, especially during the rise of the Catholic Church's authority in the Middle Ages. Initially, the acclamation of saints was somewhat informal and based on popular veneration. However, as the Church evolved, a more structured approach was needed. By the 12th century, popes began to formalize the process, leading to the establishment of specific criteria, including the performance of miracles as evidence of a person's holiness. The term itself has since been used to describe both this formal recognition and the broader acknowledgment of an individual's moral and virtuous life.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,326, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.