categorical
/,kæti'gɔrikəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Absolute and without any conditions or exceptions: Expressing something in a clear, direct, and unconditional way, leaving no room for doubt or negotiation.
- Relating to or belonging to a category: Pertaining to the classification of things into distinct groups or types.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The CEO issued a categorical denial of the merger rumors.
- She gave a categorical refusal to the proposal.
- In logic, a categorical statement is one that affirms or denies something absolutely.
Advanced Usage
- "Categorical imperative": In the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, a moral law that is unconditional and applies to all rational beings.
- Kant argued that the categorical imperative should be the basis of all moral decisions.
Variants and Related Words
- Categorically (adverb): In an absolute and unconditional manner.
- The spokesperson stated categorically that the reports were false.
Synonyms
- Absolute: Complete and not limited in any way.
- Unconditional: Not subject to any conditions.
- Unequivocal: Leaving no doubt; unambiguous.
- Explicit: Stated clearly and in detail.
Antonyms
- Qualified: Limited or modified in some way.
- Conditional: Subject to one or more conditions being met.
- Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation.
Adjective
- not modified or restricted by reservations
- a categorical denial
- a flat refusal
- relating to or included in a category or categories