categorically

Categorically is the adverb form of categorical. It describes an assertion, denial, or statement made without qualification, with absolute certainty, and without exceptions. In everyday usage, it signals a strong, unwavering position, often appearing in phrases such as “I categorically deny” or “the policy categorically prohibits.”

Etymology: The adjective categorical derives from late Latin categoricus, from Greek katēgorikos meaning “of classification” or “belonging to a category,” ultimately from kategoria meaning “a class or category.” The adverbial form categorically follows from this trait of expressing statements in terms of categories or absolutes.

In logic and philosophy: In traditional syllogistic, a categorical proposition asserts something about all or some members of a class. There are four standard forms: All S are P (universal affirmative), No S are P (universal negative), Some S are P (particular affirmative), and Some S are not P (particular negative). These propositions are the building blocks of categorical syllogisms, which reason about relationships between terms through these universal or particular statements.

Usage and implications: In modern English, categorically is used to emphasize certainty or finality, as in formal statements, journalism, or debate. The term can be perceived as strong or absolute, and in some contexts may invite scrutiny of whether the claim admits exceptions or uncertainty.

See also: categorical proposition, categorical syllogism, categorical denial.