canonicals: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “canonicals” mean?
The plural form of 'canonical', referring to things that conform to a general rule, standard, or accepted principle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'canonical', referring to things that conform to a general rule, standard, or accepted principle; often used in technical contexts to denote a standard or authoritative form.
In computing, 'canonicals' often refers to standardized forms of data or URLs. In religion, it denotes texts accepted as genuine and authoritative. In mathematics and logic, it describes a simplest or most symmetric form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical in both varieties, with a strong preference in technical and academic registers. No significant spelling or meaning differences.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of authority, tradition (especially in religious contexts), and technical precision.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American computing and corporate jargon (e.g., 'canonical data model'). In UK contexts, slightly stronger historical association with ecclesiastical law and literature.
Grammar
How to Use “canonicals” in a Sentence
The [authority] established the canonicals for [domain].This [text/model/example] adheres to the accepted canonicals.Scholars debate the canonicals of [field].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canonicals” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The canonicals of English common law were established over centuries.
- The scholar's life was dedicated to studying the biblical canonicals.
- The software update changed the system's internal data canonicals.
American English
- The debate centered on the canonicals of constitutional interpretation.
- In this framework, the canonicals are immutable.
- Their research challenged the accepted canonicals of the discipline.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in IT or data governance: 'We need to agree on the canonicals for customer data.'
Academic
Common in theology, literary studies, computer science, mathematics: 'The paper compares the different canonicals of early Christian literature.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would be marked as highly formal or technical.
Technical
Very common in computing (canonical URLs, data structures), engineering, and logic: 'The system converts all inputs into its internal canonicals.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canonicals”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “canonicals”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canonicals”
- Using as a singular noun ('a canonicals').
- Using in informal contexts where 'standards' or 'rules' would be more appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'canonicals' (double 'n').
- Confusing with 'canon' (the singular rule) vs. 'canonicals' (the plural standard forms).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'canonicals' is strictly a plural noun. The singular is 'canonical' (as a noun, meaning a canonical item or form), though it's less common than the adjective.
A 'canon' is a general rule, principle, or collection of authoritative works (e.g., the literary canon). 'Canonicals' are the specific, standard forms or items that result from applying such a rule (e.g., the canonical forms of a verb).
It is extremely rare and would sound highly technical or academic. In most everyday situations, words like 'rules', 'standards', or 'basics' are used instead.
In British English, it's like 'non' in 'nonsense' (/ˈnɒn/). In American English, it's like 'nawn' with the 'father' vowel (/ˈnɑːn/).
The plural form of 'canonical', referring to things that conform to a general rule, standard, or accepted principle.
Canonicals is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The canonicals of the field”
- “Become part of the canonicals”
- “Go against the canonicals”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CANON (a rule or law). Canonicals are the things that follow the canon.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS CANONICAL (Canonicals represent rules from an authoritative source). STANDARDIZATION IS STRAIGHTENING (Canonicals are the 'straight' or correct forms).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'canonicals' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?