categorically
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
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
Etymology
Origin of categorically
Explanation
Categorically means in a way that's so clear that it's impossible to be confused or uncertain. When your sister categorically warns you against snooping in her diary, there's no mistaking what she means. If you categorically deny knowing anything about who ate the last chocolate chip cookie, you state clearly and directly: "I did not eat that cookie, and I have no idea who did." In fact, anything you do or say categorically is done or said unambiguously and unconditionally. This adverb comes from categorical, "asserting absolutely," and its Greek source kategorikos, "accusatory or affirmative."
Vocabulary lists containing categorically
Animal Farm
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The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
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The Gene
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Any allegation DHS and ICE are attempting to ‘squash’ free speech is categorically FALSE,” the spokesperson said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
“Allegations that DHS law enforcement engages in ‘racial profiling’ are disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE,” the spokesperson wrote.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
A lawyer for Hajdini didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment; her attorneys categorically denied the previous allegations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
Lawyers for Cottrell have said he "categorically disputes allegations and assertions made by The Sunday Times, which clearly fail to reflect what that publisher was told in advance of its reporting".
From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026
It was, categorically, not the rats that he needed to fear.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
