categorical
1 of 1adjective/ˌkætɪˈɡɔrɪkəl/
1
relating to classifying concepts or objects based on the group they belong to, not specific attributes or positioning
- Biological taxonomy relies on defined categorical levels like domain, kingdom, phylum to systematically name living things.
- Psychologists develop categorical systems to diagnose and classify different mental illnesses.
- Sociologists study social phenomena by establishing categorical frameworks for classification.
- The categorical approach to organizing the library divided books into genres rather than author names.
- Her argument was categorical, focusing on broad classifications rather than individual cases.
Synonyms:
2
absolute and explicit, leaving no room for doubt or exceptions
- She made a categorical denial of all the accusations.
- His response was a categorical refusal to compromise.
- The witness gave a categorical statement about what they saw.
- They issued a categorical assurance that the event would go ahead.
- The politician issued a categorical rejection of the proposed policy.
3
without a doubt
- His categorical denial of the allegations was clear and unambiguous.
- Her categorical assertion about the facts left no room for doubt.
- The scientist's categorical statement confirmed the theory with certainty.
- The judge made a categorical decision, firmly closing the case.
- She gave a categorical refusal to the proposal, leaving no room for negotiation.