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

A spokesperson for Essex Police said her arrest was "categorically not for flying a Union Flag", but because the Civic Centre was not an area where protesters were allowed.

From BBC

But none of this is because women are categorically rejecting men or marriage.

From Salon

"I categorically reject the allegations against me and maintain that I have never acted unlawfully. I am confident that, once the facts are tested in court, I will be vindicated and my innocence confirmed."

From BBC

“I have been made aware of the claims made by Dashiel Gables, and I completely and categorically deny these allegations,” Rhymes said in a statement to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

When contacted by the BBC, the man said he categorically denied any involvement in these activities.

From BBC

Related Words

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