High-level philosophical disputes aside, the word categorical continues to sometimes describe an absolute assertion, one that involves no conditions or hypotheses—for example, the statement " hot …

CATEGORICAL meaning: 1. without any doubt or possibility of being changed: 2. relating to a category (= a type or group…. Learn more.

Definition of categorical adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. Being without exception or qualification; absolute: a categorical refusal. 2. a. Of or relating to a category or categories. b. According to or using categories: a categorical arrangement of specimens.

Jan 29, 2026 · So, in short, "categorical" comes from "category," which comes from the Greek word for "accusation" (via philosophical uses). It means "relating to categories" and originally referred to …

Factsheet What does the word categorical mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word categorical. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Mar 25, 2026 · Adjective categorical (comparative more categorical, superlative most categorical) Absolute; having no exception.