categorically

[kat-i-gawr-ik-lee, -gor-]

adverb

1. without exception; unconditionally; absolutely.

   Authorities have categorically denied that any violence took place.

   My colleagues didn't merely dislike the music, they categorically declared it wretched.

2. by means of or with respect to a category.

   If a child is not categorically eligible, the child may still qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income.

Other Word Forms

• noncategorically adverb
• uncategorically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of categorically¹

categorical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In September, Singapore's foreign minister said they would recognise a Palestinian state "when it has an effective government that accepts Israel's right to exist and categorically renounces terrorism".

Read more on BBC

Israel categorically rejected the report as "distorted and false".

Read more on BBC

But both men categorically deny knowingly spying for China.

Read more on BBC

"This is, to the best of my knowledge, categorically untrue," he said.

Read more on BBC

A recent United Nations commission of inquiry report found that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, although Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the report, denouncing it as "distorted and false".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• absolutely 
• actually 
• certainly 
• easily 
• genuinely 
• honestly 
• indeed 
• legitimately www.thesaurus.com
• literally 
• surely 
• truly 
• undoubtedly 
• unquestionably 
• well