canonise

IPA/ˈkæn.ə.naɪz/
IPA/ˈkæn.ə.naɪz/

canonise — verb

  • canonisepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • canonises3rd person singular
  • canonising-ing form
  • canonisedpast simple

1. In Catholicism, canonise means that Church authorities make a formal statement d

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

In Catholicism, canonise means that Church authorities make a formal statement declaring that someone who has died is now officially a saint who may be honoured by believers.

例句

Pope Francis canonised Mother Teresa in 2016 during a ceremony at St. Peter's Square.

The Vatican carefully examined the nun's life and miracles before agreeing to canonise her.

passive: be canonised + Vatican authority

同義詞
  • beatify

    a preliminary step before full canonisation, meaning to declare a person blessed

  • sanctify

    more general; to make or declare holy, not limited to the official Church process

反義詞
  • excommunicate

    to officially exclude someone from the Church, the opposite of admitting them into sainthood

文法句型

canonise + person

be canonised + by [church authority]

用法筆記

Frequently passive. Canonisation is a formal procedure of the Roman Catholic Church (and some Eastern Orthodox churches) that can only happen after the person has died. The process requires evidence of miracles and proof of a virtuous life. The Pope usually performs the ceremony.

常見錯誤

❌The church canonised the living bishop.
✅The church only canonises people after they have died.
💡Canonisation is never performed on a living person.

2. To admire someone so extremely that you treat them as if they were perfect and s

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

To admire someone so extremely that you treat them as if they were perfect and sacred, often more than is reasonable or fair.

例句

Fans canonised the singer after her death, treating her like a goddess who never made mistakes.

collocation: canonise + celebrity after death

Critics argue that the media canonises public figures who lack any real lasting achievement.

同義詞
  • idolise

    less formal and more common in everyday language; to admire someone extremely

  • deify

    more extreme; to treat someone as if they were a god

  • glorify

    focuses on praising someone's achievements rather than their personal perfection

反義詞
  • criticise

    to express disapproval, the opposite of excessive praise

  • disparage

    to speak of someone as unimportant or worthless

文法句型

canonise + person

be canonised + as [noun]

用法筆記

Often used critically to suggest that the admiration is undeserved or exaggerated. Similar in meaning to 'idolise' but more formal and literary. Usually applied to public figures such as celebrities, artists, or political leaders.

常見錯誤

❌I canonise my grandmother because she makes good cookies.
✅The media has canonised the actor as though he could never fail.
💡'Canonise' in this sense is strong and formal; it is not used for ordinary, everyday admiration.

3. To accept a writer, artist, or their work as being among the most important and

3.動詞及物C2
釋義

To accept a writer, artist, or their work as being among the most important and respected examples of their kind, so that it becomes part of the officially recognised set of great works.

例句

Shakespeare was canonised as a literary genius long before many other great playwrights.

Literary critics gradually canonised the novel, and schools across the country now teach it.

同義詞
  • enshrine

    to preserve something as if in a sacred place; similar sense of formal acceptance

  • immortalise

    to make someone or something famous for a very long time, not necessarily through official recognition

反義詞
  • reject

    to refuse to accept a work as valuable

  • exclude

    to leave a work out of the recognised set of important works

文法句型

canonise + work / author

be canonised as [noun]

用法筆記

Typically refers to a gradual, collective process by which literary, artistic, musical, or film works become accepted as part of the established canon over time. Individual opinions do not canonise a work — broad critical and institutional consensus does.

常見錯誤

❌I canonised this book after one chapter.
✅The book was gradually canonised by critics over several decades.
💡Canonisation of a work is a slow, collective process, not a personal opinion.

4. In Christianity, to give official acceptance to a religious text, decision, or f

4.動詞及物C2
釋義

In Christianity, to give official acceptance to a religious text, decision, or form of worship, so that it becomes an approved part of church practice.

例句

The church council canonised the new translation of the Bible for use during Sunday services.

Esme learned that church leaders in the fourth century had canonised the ancient text.

passive: had been canonised + time reference

同義詞
  • authorise

    more general; to give official permission, not restricted to religious contexts

  • ratify

    to formally confirm a decision, usually by a vote or signature

  • sanction

    to officially approve something, often used in both religious and secular contexts

反義詞
  • forbid

    to order that something not be done or used

  • reject

    to refuse to accept something as valid or approved

文法句型

canonise + text / practice

be canonised + by church leaders

用法筆記

Used specifically in Christian contexts to describe the formal approval of biblical texts, liturgical practices, or church decisions. Less common than the saint-related sense. The related noun 'canon' refers to the official list of approved scriptures.

常見錯誤

❌The government canonised the new law.
✅The church leaders canonised the revised prayer book for official use.
💡In this sense, 'canonise' only applies to religious or church contexts, not to secular approval.