categorically
categorically Lexical Profile
categorically Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In a manner that is unambiguously explicit, direct, and without any exception, doubt, or qualification.
"The spokesperson categorically denied the allegations of financial misconduct during the press conference."
According to or by means of distinct categories, classes, or divisions.
"The survey responses were organized categorically so the research team could compare trends across different age groups."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday usage, 'categorically' almost always means 'unconditionally' or 'without exception' (especially in phrases like 'categorically deny'), rather than 'by category'. To express arrangement into groups, 'by category' is usually preferred to avoid ambiguity.
• Rhymes for categorically
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from 'categorical' + '-ly', ultimately tracing back via Late Latin 'categoricus' to Ancient Greek 'kategorikos' (accusatory, affirmative, or absolute), from 'kategorein' (to assert or predicate).