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Categorical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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categorical

[หŒkatษชหˆษกษ’rษชk(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

statistics

Relating to or expressed by category, without consideration of individual items within the category; absolute.

Synonyms

absolute, unconditional, unqualified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
categorical

Used to describe a statement or belief that is very clear and definite with no room for doubt or confusion. Often used in formal or academic settings.

  • He gave a categorical denial of the accusations.
  • The company made a categorical commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
absolute

Used when something is considered complete and total in every way, without any limitations or conditions. Can be used in more casual conversations as well.

  • She has absolute confidence in her team.
  • It was an absolute success.
unconditional

Used to describe something that is given or done without any conditions attached, usually in contexts involving relationships, promises, or support.

  • She gave her unconditional love to her children.
  • He offered unconditional support to his friend during a difficult time.
unqualified

Often used to describe approval, success, or support that is given completely and without any hesitation or limitation. Can also have a negative meaning when describing someone's lack of qualifications, but that's not the focus in this context.

  • The new policy received his unqualified approval.
  • Her speech was an unqualified success.

Examples of usage

  • The data was analyzed using categorical variables.
  • Categorical data can be used to group information for easier analysis.
Context #2 | Adjective

emphatic

Expressing a strong opinion or belief about something in a forceful or confident way.

Synonyms

decisive, definite, unequivocal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
categorical

Used when making a strong statement or declaration that leaves no room for doubt or disagreement.

  • He gave a categorical denial of the charges
  • The director made a categorical statement about company policy
decisive

Describes actions or events that have a significant and clear impact, or a person who shows clear determination and resolution.

  • His decisive actions saved the company from bankruptcy
  • The battle was a decisive victory for the allies
definite

Describes something that is clearly defined or has no ambiguity. Often used to indicate certainty or confidence.

  • We need a definite answer by tomorrow
  • She showed definite improvement in her test scores
unequivocal

Used to describe statements or beliefs that are clear and without any doubt or ambiguity, often with a strong emphasis.

  • The judge's decision was unequivocal
  • She gave an unequivocal answer to the question

Examples of usage

  • She was categorical in her refusal to compromise on the issue.
  • The CEO's statement was categorical in its commitment to diversity.
Context #3 | Adjective

certain

Unambiguously clear; absolute.

Synonyms

certain, unambiguous, unequivocal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
categorical

This word is often used in formal situations to describe something that is absolute and not open to any doubt or discussion.

  • The CEO issued a categorical denial of the allegations
certain

'Certain' is commonly used in everyday language to indicate that something is known for sure and without any doubt.

  • I am certain that she will succeed in her new job
unambiguous

Used in contexts where clarity is crucial, this word describes something that leaves no room for confusion or misinterpretation.

  • The instructions were unambiguous and easy to follow
unequivocal

Often used in formal or serious contexts, 'unequivocal' refers to something that is clear and leaves no doubt. It carries a stronger emphasis than 'unambiguous.'

  • The scientist gave an unequivocal answer to the question

Examples of usage

  • The judge's ruling was categorical and left no room for interpretation.
  • The decision was categorical and final.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Logic

  • In logic, categorical statements assert something explicitly and are essential in forming syllogisms.
  • There are four basic types of categorical propositions: universal affirmative, universal negative, particular affirmative, and particular negative.
  • These propositions help in determining logical relationships between different subjects.

Mathematics

  • In set theory, categorical structures are used to understand relationships between different sets and their members.
  • Category theory is a branch of mathematics that focuses on the abstract framework of objects and morphisms between them.
  • This approach allows mathematicians to categorize and relate complex structures in a simplified manner.

Psychology

  • Categorical thinking helps humans simplify the world by grouping similar elements, guiding decision-making.
  • However, it can lead to errors in judgment, such as stereotypes, where individuals are grouped inaccurately.
  • Cognitive psychologists study how these mental categories influence perception and behavior.

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, particularly in Kant's works, categorical imperatives are absolute moral rules that must be followed.
  • These moral principles are grounded in the idea of duty rather than consequence, influencing ethical discussions.
  • This philosophy emphasizes acting according to universal law applicable to all rational beings, providing a clear moral framework.

Origin of 'categorical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'katฤ“goria,' meaning 'to declare' or 'to accuse.'
  • In the 16th century, it entered the English language, retaining its meaning related to clear classification.
  • The term is linked to Aristotle's philosophy, where he categorized beings and concepts systematically.

The word 'categorical' originated from the Late Latin word 'categoricus' which means 'relating to a category'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The term was used in logic and philosophy to describe propositions that affirm or deny something about every member of a class. Over time, 'categorical' expanded its usage to fields like statistics and everyday language, where it denotes something absolute, clear, or emphatic.

See also: categories, categorization, categorize, category.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,974, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.