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What is the difference between

(24 Posts)
absent Sat 17-Jan-15 20:49:58

something being untrue and something being categorically untrue?

jinglbellsfrocks Sat 17-Jan-15 21:07:38

Why?

jinglbellsfrocks Sat 17-Jan-15 21:09:02

It's just a way of speaking. It's like - definitely.

As, of course absent you know very well.

Ana Sat 17-Jan-15 21:11:01

Exactly.

Ana Sat 17-Jan-15 21:14:30

Or perhaps I should have said 'I agree with jingl', to avoid any confusion...

NanKate Sat 17-Jan-15 21:36:37

I think sometimes people use adverbs (if that is the correct part of speech) to increase the strength of a statement.

NotTooOld Sat 17-Jan-15 21:37:33

It's a fair question and it sounds like politician speak to me. Why can't they just say it's untrue. They just like using three words where two will do.

...........and if I hear that phrase 'hard working families' from one more politician I'll scream.....

absent Mon 19-Jan-15 19:19:35

Yes but categorically seems to be used only with untrue. I can't think of another adjective where it is used in this way.

Grannyknot Mon 19-Jan-15 19:31:03

Then it's just a manner of speaking, surely? I don't know why people can't just say "It is untrue". I have also heard "I categorically deny that".

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 19-Jan-15 19:31:16

You can categorically deny something. (have googled this categorically fascinating subject)

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 19-Jan-15 19:31:56

Oh! You've googled too Grannyknot. 'Fess up!

absent Mon 19-Jan-15 19:38:57

Okay but a) to deny is a verb, and b) categorically denied and categorically untrue are pretty much the same thing. Nobody says it's categorically hot today even when the temperature is in the 30s or 40s. In fact, nobody says that something is categorically true.

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 19-Jan-15 19:46:15

You would say "that is categorically correct".

It just adds emphasis. Makes it undeniable in any way.

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 19-Jan-15 19:47:22

Why, actually? confused

Did it "just enter into your mind"?

absent Mon 19-Jan-15 19:52:52

I have never heard anyone say that or read it anywhere – except in your post jingl. I'm just puzzled.

rosequartz Mon 19-Jan-15 19:57:08

You could literally be puzzled about this, as they say grin

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 19-Jan-15 19:58:44

Well, someone might say it. One day. No reason not to.

I'm going to watch 'enders now. smile x

Grannyknot Mon 19-Jan-15 20:33:39

jingle that is categorically untrue.

absent Mon 19-Jan-15 20:57:40

grin Well she probably is going to watch 'enders. (What is 'enders – it sounds rude?)

Gracesgran Mon 19-Jan-15 22:15:37

It's just a bit of unnecessary tautology, surely.

absent Mon 19-Jan-15 22:48:21

Isn't all tautology unnecessary? grin

Ana Mon 19-Jan-15 22:52:47

grin

Greenfinch Mon 19-Jan-15 23:20:24

It is better than "it is to all intents and purposes untrue"

Gracesgran Mon 19-Jan-15 23:38:10

That was my little bit of irony absent