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.
Iran’s Embassy in the U.K. categorically rejected attempts to link Iran to the arrests, calling the reports unfounded and malicious speculations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
But the storms are categorically different in how they are formed.
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
For decades, Western powers have accused the Islamic republic of seeking nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran categorically denies.
From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026
Chief executive Matt Boles said he wanted to make it "categorically clear" communication over potential deals had not been from manager Russ Wilcox or on behalf of the club.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
In life Allan Gindi was always inserting himself into things that categorically weren’t his business.
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.
