Canonical
/kəˈnɒnɪkəl/
adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Conforming to the accepted standard; authoritative.
/kəˈnɒnɪkəl/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General
Conforming to a general rule or standard; authoritative.
The canonical version of the text is preferred.
💡 Simply: Following the rules or accepted way of doing things.
More Examples
2
His work is now considered canonical in the field.
How It's Used
Religious Studies
"The canonical Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John."
Literature
"Shakespeare's plays are considered canonical works of English literature."
From Late Latin *canonicus, from Greek kanōnikos 'according to a rule', from kanōn 'rule, standard'.
The word's use has expanded from primarily religious contexts to include broader areas like literature and science.
Memory tip
Think 'canon' as a rule or standard; canonical means following that rule.
Practice
Base: canon
canonnicalcannocicalcanonicle
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written