categorically

IPA/ˌkætəˈɡɒrɪkli/
KK[kˌætəɡˈɔrɪkli]IPA/ˌkætəˈɡɔːrɪkli/

categorically — 副詞

1. used when expressing something in a direct and firm way that allows no room for

1.副詞B2
釋義

斷然；明確

以毫不含糊且堅決的態度表達或拒絕

used when expressing something in a direct and firm way that allows no room for doubt — especially when someone says something is completely untrue or refuses to do something with no chance of changing their mind.

例句

The company's CEO categorically denied the press reports about a possible merger.

該公司執行長斷然否認了媒體關於可能合併的報導。

categorically deny + accusation/report

Senator Eleni categorically refused to support any bill that raised income taxes.

參議員 Eleni 明確拒絕支持任何提高所得稅的法案。

categorically refuse + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • absolutely

    less formal and broader in use; works with both denial and affirmation in everyday speech while 'categorically' is more formal

  • unequivocally

    similar formality but focuses on leaving no ambiguity rather than being firm; often used in legal or political contexts

  • emphatically

    stresses the force with which something is said rather than the absoluteness of the statement

  • flatly

    common in British English; slightly less formal and often suggests a blunt, unemotional refusal

反義詞
  • ambiguously

    in a way that can be understood in more than one way — the opposite of leaving no doubt

  • tentatively

    in a hesitant way that suggests the speaker may change their mind

文法句型

categorically + deny / refuse / reject / state / affirm

用法筆記

This adverb carries strong emphasis and is most natural with verbs that express denial, refusal, or strong assertion (deny, refuse, reject, state, affirm). Avoid using it with neutral or positive offers (e.g. 'categorically offered help' sounds unnatural).

常見錯誤

❌She categorically said hello.
✅She categorically denied the rumor.
💡'categorically' is too strong for everyday actions like greetings; use it only for firm denials or definite statements.
❌He categorically maybe will come.
✅He categorically refused to come.
💡'categorically' expresses certainty, so it should not be paired with hedging words like 'maybe' or 'perhaps.'