categorical
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categorically
In a way that is absolute, firm, and allows no contradiction, exception, or discussion; unequivocally.
Sie schloss eine Zusammenarbeit mit der Konkurrenz kategorisch aus.
She categorically ruled out working with the competition.
categorical
In philosophy, especially in Immanuel Kant, related to the categorical imperative, meaning a universally valid and unconditional moral law.
Die Pflicht, nicht zu lügen, ist für Kant ein kategorisches Gebot.
For Kant, the duty not to lie is a categorical command.
'Kategorisch' (categorically) is very often used as an adverb that intensifies a verb. It then usually comes directly before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.
Der Minister lehnte den Vorschlag kategorisch ab.
The minister categorically rejected the proposal.
The word is often combined with verbs of rejecting, denying, or ruling something out. Common expressions are 'kategorisch ausschließen' (to categorically rule out), 'kategorisch ablehnen' (to categorically reject), and 'kategorisch verneinen' (to categorically deny).
Die Sprecherin hat Gerüchte über einen Rücktritt kategorisch dementiert.
The spokesperson categorically denied rumors of a resignation.
This specific meaning belongs to the technical language of philosophy. You can recognize it from keywords such as 'Imperativ' (imperative), 'Gebot' (command), 'Pflicht' (duty), or the name of the philosopher Immanuel Kant.
Im Ethikunterricht sprachen wir über Kants kategorischen Imperativ.
In ethics class, we talked about Kant's categorical imperative.
definitely / unconditional
In philosophy, unbedingt can describe a moral law that applies without conditions or exceptions. By contrast, kategorisch is Kant's established technical term for this type of law, especially in the expression “kategorischer Imperativ” (categorical imperative).
Bei Kant heißt ein solches allgemeingültiges Gesetz kategorischer Imperativ.
In Kant's philosophy, such a universally valid law is called the categorical imperative.
Dieses moralische Gesetz soll unbedingt und ohne Ausnahme gelten.
This moral law is supposed to apply unconditionally and without exception.
