What does catholically mean?
"Catholically" is an adverb describing action done in a broad, universal, or all-embracing way. It derives from "catholic," a word whose older, non-religious sense is "universal" or "wide-ranging." To read, think, or taste catholically is to do so without narrow partisanship — welcoming many subjects, styles, or viewpoints alike. The word appears chiefly in literary and formal prose, often praising a person's intellectual generosity or cosmopolitan interests. It can also be used in explicitly religious contexts to mean in keeping with Catholic doctrine, though this sense is uncommon. Because the capitalized "Catholic" dominates everyday associations with the root, "catholically" surprises many readers by having nothing necessarily to do with religion at all.
adverbIn a broad, universal, or all-embracing manner; with wide-ranging interest, sympathy, or scope. When capitalized usage applies, it can also mean in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church.
- In a broad, universal, or all-embracing manner; with liberal or comprehensive sympathies.
- (Religious context) In accordance with the doctrines or practices of the Catholic Church.
"She read catholically, moving from medieval theology to modern poetry without prejudice."
"The professor encouraged her students to think catholically, drawing connections across disciplines that others kept separate."
"His taste in music was formed catholically, embracing jazz, folk, and opera with equal enthusiasm."
Before it meant anything about Rome, "catholic" simply meant universal — so to act catholically is, at root, to keep an open mind about everything.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of catholically
The word traces back through Late Latin "catholicus" to Greek "katholikos," meaning "general" or "universal," from "katholou" ("in general"), a combination of "kata" ("according to") and "holos" ("whole"). English adopted "catholic" in the Middle Ages both as a church term and as a general adjective meaning broad-minded or inclusive; the adverb "catholically" was formed directly from it, following the regular pattern of adding "-ly" to adjectives. Cognates include "catholicity" and "Catholicism," which share the same Greek root.
How catholically is actually used
A relatively rare and somewhat literary adverb, most at home in formal writing about intellectual breadth, taste, or temperament. In lowercase it carries no denominational meaning; only in explicitly religious contexts does it relate to the Catholic Church.
Easily confused with catholically
"Catholic" (often capitalized) refers specifically to the Roman Catholic Church, while "catholically" in its general sense means broadly, universally, or with wide-ranging sympathy, with no religious connotation.