How to pronounce categorically
Say it like kat-uh-GAR-ih-klee. Categorically has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (GAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce categorically. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kat
- uh
- GAR
- ih
- klee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Categorically pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- katGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- GARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of categorically
- American English uses 5 syllables and British English 6.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: kat-uh-GOR-ih-kuh-lee.
Other ways to say categorically
Categorically also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- kat-uh-GOR-ih-klee /ˌkætəˈɡɔrɪkli/
What does categorically mean?
- By the use of categories; defining a category; defined by, or corollary to, a category.“a welfare scheme for the categorically needy”
- Absolutely; in all regards (leaving no doubt or ambiguity).“She categorically denied all allegations of misconduct.”
Where does categorically come from?
From categorical + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying categorically
How do you pronounce categorically?
Say kat-uh-GAR-ih-klee. The American pronunciation is /ˌkætəˈɡɑrɪkli/. In British English it is /kætəˈɡɒrɪkəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in categorically?
Categorically has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (GAR). Broken into parts: kat · uh · GAR · ih · klee.
Is categorically pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 5 syllables and British English 6. The British form is /kætəˈɡɒrɪkəli/ (kat-uh-GOR-ih-kuh-lee).