categorically
/ˌkætəˈɡɒrɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkætəˈɡɔːrɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · /¦ka-tə-¦gȯr-i-k(ə-)lē -¦gär-/ (ame, mw)
categorically — adverb
1. in a way that is absolute and allows no doubt, conditions, or exceptions — used
in a way that is absolute and allows no doubt, conditions, or exceptions — used especially with verbs like deny, refuse, and reject
Yara categorically stated that the test results had not been changed.
categorically + state + that-clause
The company's CEO categorically refused to talk with the workers on strike.
categorically + refuse + to-infinitive
The allegation was categorically denied by the department's senior director.
The council leader categorically rejected every claim that she had broken the rules.
The foreign minister categorically ruled out sending troops to the region.
- absolutely
more common and versatile; works with a wider range of adjectives and verbs beyond statements
- unequivocally
more formal; preferred in legal or academic writing where removing ambiguity matters
- unconditionally
focuses on the absence of conditions; used for love, support, or surrender, not typically for statements
- flatly
more informal and slightly brusque; almost always paired with deny or refuse
- tentatively
suggests hesitation or uncertainty, the opposite of the absolute stance conveyed by categorically
- conditionally
implies terms or limits are attached, directly opposing the unqualified nature of categorically
文法句型
categorically + deny/refuse/reject/state + (that-clause | noun phrase | to-infinitive)
用法筆記
Almost always used before verbs of stating, denying, or refusing — such as deny, refuse, reject, state, and rule out. It is rarely used with other types of verbs.