What Does categorical Mean
Categorical is an adjective that is used to qualify what is final or conclusive . The term derives from the late Latin categorĭcus , in turn from the Greek word katēgorikós .
Some example sentences
For example: "The president was categorical and ruled out making a trade agreement with the Asian nation" , "I am categorical when I talk about my work because I defend my interests" , "The agricultural sector expressed its categorical rejection of the new tax that the government intends to set. ” .
A president who is categorical in a speech
These three examples show us some nuances of this term in different situations, although they always refer to a rigid decision or position. Let's start with the president's categorical statement: instead of simply expressing an opinion open to debate, he firmly and immovably communicates his vision regarding the potential trade agreement with the Asian country; that is to say, he is so confident in his position that he does not accept any discussion .
Then we have a person who claims to have a very clear and defined vision as far as his job is concerned. He says that his way of dealing with the subject is categorical because he does not want to neglect his own interests. This may mean that in meetings with your superiors, for example, you never accept conditions that are detrimental to you, whether financially or professionally within the company.
And this brings us to a detail that is important to mention before proceeding to analyze the third example: the categorical is not normal, but often has a challenging character , which is why it can bring negative consequences to those who express themselves in this way. . Society does not educate us to be so determined, but to follow a path previously outlined: rising up against this imposition is usually not well seen and requires great inner strength to stand up and bear the response.
Finally, there is talk of the rejection of the agricultural sector to a tax that the government intends to approve. Given that accepting it could negatively affect their professional development , they make themselves heard through a series of demonstrations with the aim that the leaders reverse their decision and allow them to continue with their work as before.
In context
The categorical does not accept discussions or replies . It is something blunt that does not allow questioning. Let's look at two situations below to illustrate the concept.
Suppose an entrepreneur plans to sell his company. With this objective, he meets with an investor who is interested in acquiring the firm. When starting to negotiate, the seller affirms: "I am not going to sell my company for less than two million pesos, so if you had another figure in mind, let's not waste time . " As can be seen, the owner of the company is categorical since he is not willing to modify his claims.
In the face of injustices, the people tend to express themselves categorically
Take the case of a soccer team where, according to some journalists, there is a conflict between the captain and the coach. In the media there is talk of this supposed confrontation that, according to the versions, would be very serious. Against this background, the footballer calls a press conference and is categorical : “There is no problem between the coach and me, so stop lying. In fact I feel great affection and respect for him, he seems to me to be a very capable man who has always helped me perform at the best level ” .
Being categorical is very useful to defend your rights or to fight against slander, typical of areas where money and political interests abound . If we are sure of our ideas, then this is the way to express them.