categorically define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically define" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a clear and unambiguous definition of a term or concept. Example: "In order to avoid confusion, it is essential to categorically define the parameters of the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But after all these countless conversations we realised that for all the discussions no one could categorically define what the infamous move actually was.

Vice

The primary rationale for an age of majority is then to categorically define the point when a child is capable of making informed decisions, such as the ability to consent to research.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our main contributions in this study are categorically defined as under: 1.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

We categorically defined the degree to which various abnormal behaviors were displayed in eight chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and 21 rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) groups.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

The topology of future MTDC grids is not yet categorically defined, and different control/protection schemes are proposed by the main manufacturers and technology providers.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Respondents categorically defined 'clean' as not including natural gas or nuclear power energies.

Huffington Post

The mule is categorically defined by the presence of ginger, so most suggestions for a proper mule start at the (ginger) root.

Huffington Post

It is therefore uncertain whether age was associated with serum ALT concentrations within the normal range, and whether the associations between age and the prevalence of categorically defined elevated ALT would have remained had lower ALT thresholds been applied.

Plosone

Additionally, we conducted multivariate-adjusted models to examine the association between age and prevalence of categorically defined elevated serum ALT across these four age groups, and p-value for trend was examined.

Plosone

Because serum uric acid levels have been associated with fructose consumption [6], [27], we assessed interaction with serum uric acid (as a continuous variable) and with hyperuricemia (categorically defined as the highest quartile of serum uric acid, 6.3 mg/dL or higher).

Plosone

Trends of decreasing LSM ALT with age and the decreasing prevalence of categorically defined elevated serum ALT with age remained robust after adjusting for sex, alcohol use, metabolic syndrome components, and biomarkers of adiposity (p-value <0.0001), and was not materially changed after adjusting for bilirubin, GGT, and albumin.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "categorically define", ensure that the context requires a high degree of precision and leaves no room for ambiguity. This phrase is most effective when establishing a clear and authoritative definition in academic, scientific, or legal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "categorically define" in casual or informal writing. The formality of the phrase can sound stilted or overly academic in everyday conversation or less formal documents. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clearly define" or "simply define" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically define" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of defining something in a precise, unambiguous and authoritative manner. Ludwig confirms its usability for expressing clear definitions. It's often used to establish a solid foundation for discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "categorically define" is a verb phrase used to express a precise and unambiguous definition, primarily in formal and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, as supported by Ludwig, it's relatively rare, suggesting it should be used judiciously, mainly when utmost clarity is required. Alternatives like "clearly define" or "explicitly define" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where a high degree of precision is necessary to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clearly define

This alternative emphasizes the clarity of the definition, focusing on making it easy to understand.

Explicitly define

This alternative stresses the explicitness and thoroughness of the definition, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Precisely define

This alternative highlights the accuracy and exactness of the definition.

Specifically define

This alternative emphasizes defining something with a high level of detail and particularity.

Unambiguously define

This alternative focuses on eliminating any possible confusion or misinterpretation in the definition.

Define without ambiguity

This alternative phrase restructures the original to highlight the lack of ambiguity in the definition.

Define in clear terms

This alternative focuses on using simple and easily understandable language in the definition.

Lay down a definition

This alternative uses a more assertive tone, suggesting a formal or authoritative definition.

Offer a precise definition

This alternative emphasizes the act of providing a definition that is accurate and detailed.

Establish a clear definition

This alternative focuses on creating a definition that is well-established and easily understood.

FAQs

What does "categorically define" mean?

"Categorically define" means to define something clearly, explicitly, and without any ambiguity or exceptions. It's about establishing a precise and authoritative definition.

How can I use "categorically define" in a sentence?

You might use "categorically define" when you need a precise and unambiguous definition. For example: "The study must "clearly define" the parameters before beginning data collection".

What are some alternatives to "categorically define"?

Alternatives to "categorically define" include "clearly define", "explicitly define", or "precisely define", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "categorically define" or "clearly define"?

Both "categorically define" and "clearly define" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Categorically define" implies a higher degree of formality and authoritativeness, while "clearly define" is more general and suitable for a wider range of contexts.