categorical

[ kat-i-gawr-i-kuhl, -gor- ]

adjective

1. without exceptions or conditions; absolute; unqualified and unconditional:

   a categorical denial.

   Synonyms: downright, flat, positive

2. Logic.
   1. (of a proposition) analyzable into a subject and an attribute related by a copula, as in the proposition “All humans are mortal.”
   2. (of a syllogism) having categorical propositions as premises.
3. of, relating to, or in a category.

categorical

/ ˌkætɪˈɡɒrɪkəl /

adjective

1. unqualified; positive; unconditional

   a categorical statement

2. relating to or included in a category
3. logic another word for categorial

Derived Forms

• ˌcateˈgoricalness, noun
• ˌcateˈgorically, adverb

Other Words From

• cat·e·gor·i·cal·ly adverb
• cat·e·gor·i·cal·ness noun
• non·cat·e·gor·i·cal adjective
• non·cat·e·gor·i·cal·ness noun
• un·cat·e·gor·i·cal adjective
• un·cat·e·gor·i·cal·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of categorical¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin catēgoric(us) (from Greek katēgorikós; category, -ic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

"That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind."

From Salon

Some cynics will note that this stops short of a categorical assertion that a youth mobility scheme will never happen.

From BBC

"We have the records showing our categorical and mathematically irreversible victory," Mr González said.

From BBC

We see examples of categorical propositions in Vice President Harris’ words.

From Salon

Trump’s team asserted a total and “categorical” immunity for their client, which the judges rejected.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolute
• clear-cut
• definite
• definitive
• emphatic
• forthright
• unambiguous
• unequivocal