categorical
Loading your saved state.
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.
'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
'unbedingt' and 'kategorisch' can both express that there is no exception. 'unbedingt' is used very often when something should definitely happen or when you strongly recommend something. 'kategorisch' describes a very firm attitude, often with a rejection or statement that allows no discussion. Learners may confuse the words because both sound absolute. In everyday language, however, you would be more likely to say 'Du musst unbedingt kommen' (You absolutely have to come), not 'Du musst kategorisch kommen'. 'Kategorisch' fits better with verbs like 'ablehnen' (to reject), 'verbieten' (to forbid), or 'erklären' (to declare).
Ali lehnt es kategorisch ab, ohne Vorbereitung in die Prüfung zu gehen.
Ali categorically refuses to go into the exam without preparing.
Du solltest dieses Formular unbedingt vor dem Termin ausfüllen.
You should definitely fill out this form before the appointment.