# categorically

/ˌkætəˈɡɑɹɪkɫi/ (US) · /kˌætɪɡˈɒɹɪkli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/categorically
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

in a way that is very clear and certain. You use this when you want to say 'no' or 'yes' without any doubt at all.

For teachers: in a manner that is absolute, explicit, and leaves no room for doubt or exception.

## Examples

- She categorically denied the rumors.
- The government spokesperson categorically rejected any suggestion that the tax laws would change before the next election.
- The lead scientist stated that the results were categorically conclusive, effectively ending a decade of debate within the academic community regarding the experiment's validity.

## Usage notes

- Often used to modify verbs of communication like 'deny', 'reject', 'refuse', or 'state'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.