categorically

UK /ˌkætəˈɡɒrɪkli/ US /ˌkætəˈɡɔrɪkli/ Syllables: cat-e-gor-i-cal-ly

Pronunciation

Adverb B1 Intermediate Formal

In a way that is clear, direct, and without any doubt or exception.

Categorically means in a way that is clear, direct and without any exception or doubt. It is most often used with verbs of saying, such as deny, refuse, reject and state. If someone categorically denies something, there is no room for misunderstanding. Close words are absolutely, flatly, unconditionally, unequivocally, definitely and emphatically. The opposite is partly, conditionally or tentatively. The word also has a second meaning, by category, as in the cases are grouped categorically, but this use is rarer. Categorically is the adverb form of categorical. A common pattern is to categorically deny, which is more forceful than simply to deny.

"The spokesperson categorically denied that the company had any knowledge of the leak."

Meanings

In a way that is clear and direct, without doubt or exception.
By category; with respect to a category.

Example sentences

"The minister categorically denied the rumor."

Level C1, Meaning 1
"She categorically refused to sign the contract."

Level C1, Meaning 1
"I can say categorically that the money is safe."

Level C1, Meaning 1
"The company categorically rejects the claim."

Level C1, Meaning 1
"The books are arranged categorically, not by author."

Level C1, Meaning 2

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

absolutely unequivocally

Look-alikes and common mistakes

categorical : Categorical is the adjective, as in a categorical denial. Categorically is the adverb.
emphatically : Emphatically means with force. Categorically means without exception or doubt.
absolutely : Absolutely is the everyday word. Categorically is more formal and is mostly used with denials and refusals.
categorize : Categorize is a verb meaning to sort into groups. It is a different part of speech.

Word family and forms

categorical categorize category uncategorically noncategorically

Word partners

Words and phrases that often go with "categorically".

categorically deny
categorically refuse
categorically reject
categorically state
categorically wrong
categorically false
categorically rule out

Origin

Categorically is made from the adjective categorical plus the ending ly. In its main sense, categorical means absolute and without exception, and categorically carries that meaning. Both Wiktionary and Dictionary.com give this simple formation.

Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Dictionary.com.

Usage notes

Very often paired with the verb "deny," as in "categorically deny."

How to remember it

A category has firm edges, and something said categorically has firm edges too. There is no gray area.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The minister _____ denied the rumor."

Answer: categorically

In your own words, what does "categorically" mean?