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

That wasn’t just unlike any other American president’s speech; it was categorically different from any other speech ever delivered in that building or to that audience.

From Salon

The Duke of Sussex has suggested people are trying to sabotage his reconciliation with King Charles, as he described media reports about their recent meeting as "categorically false".

From BBC

A United Nations commission of inquiry found Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a report Israel's foreign ministry categorically rejected as "distorted and false".

From BBC

In its statement, it said that it categorically rejects allegations of wrongdoing or possible illegal practices.

From BBC

Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected UN the report, denouncing it as "distorted and false".

From BBC

Related Words

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