canonicity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “canonicity” mean?
The quality or state of being canonical.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being canonical; conformity to the accepted rules, standards, or principles of a particular field, especially religious scripture or literary works.
The condition of being recognized as standard, authentic, authoritative, or belonging to an established core collection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly positive when referring to authenticity and authority; can be neutral or negative when referring to rigid adherence to norms in critical discourse.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “canonicity” in a Sentence
the canonicity of [noun phrase] (e.g., the Gospels)debates over/regarding the canonicity of [noun phrase]to establish/question the canonicity of [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canonicity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council will canonicise the texts, establishing their formal canonicity.
American English
- The council will canonize the texts, establishing their formal canonicity.
adverb
British English
- The text is canonically accepted within the tradition.
American English
- The text is canonically accepted within the tradition.
adjective
British English
- The canonical status of the Pauline epistles is rarely contested.
American English
- The canonical status of the Pauline epistles is rarely contested.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in theology, literary studies, cultural studies, and musicology to discuss the status of texts or works.
Everyday
Extremely rare.
Technical
Used in textual criticism, biblical studies, and library/information science regarding canonical works.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canonicity”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “canonicity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canonicity”
- Using it as a synonym for 'popularity' or 'tradition'. Confusing it with 'canonical' (the adjective). Misspelling as 'canonocity'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Canonical' is the adjective (e.g., a canonical text). 'Canonicity' is the abstract noun describing the state or quality of being canonical.
Yes. While its roots are theological, it is commonly used in academic discussions of literature, film, art, and music to refer to works considered central or foundational to a field.
In many contexts, 'official status' or 'authoritative status' can serve as simpler paraphrases, though they lack the specific academic nuance.
In British English: /ˌkanəˈnɪsɪti/ (ka-nuh-NISS-i-tee). In American English: /ˌkænəˈnɪsəti/ (ka-nuh-NISS-uh-tee). The primary stress is on the third syllable.
Canonicity is usually formal, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “achieve canonicity”
- “grant canonicity”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A CANON is an official list; CANONICITY is its official qualITY.'
Conceptual Metaphor
CANONICITY IS A SEAL OF APPROVAL (authority as a physical stamp). CANONICITY IS INCLUSION IN THE INNER CIRCLE (belonging as spatial proximity).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'canonicity' MOST commonly used?