Categorically
/ˌkætəˈɡɔːrɪkli/
adverbIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Without any doubt or qualification; absolutely.
/ˌkætəˈɡɔːrɪkli/
adverbneutralIntermediate
General
In a categorical manner; without exception.
I categorically reject your offer.
💡 Simply: It means completely and without any doubt.
👶 For kids: It means 'for sure' or 'absolutely'.
More Examples
2
The witness categorically stated that he saw the suspect.
How It's Used
Formal Writing
"He categorically denied the allegations."
Debate
"She categorically refused to compromise."
From Middle English *categoric, from Latin *categoricus, from Greek *kategorikós, from *katēgoría ‘accusation, category’.
The word's usage has remained relatively consistent since its adoption from Greek, always implying a definitive and unqualified statement.
Memory tip
Think 'categories' – if something is in a category, it's definitively there, not ambiguous.
Practice
Base: category
categoriacllycategoriclycatagorically
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written