How would you interpret ‘categorically speaking’ here? “Now, let me ask you something, a little personal. But I ask in a professional capacity, as the guy whose job is to look out for you and promote the general welfare.” “All right, fire away.” “I know that Mrs. Brown is not your type, categorically speaking. You once mentioned I am one of a few who knows about this. The Selective Service being another. What I am asking, and I hope the answer is yes, isn’t there somebody else who knows?” How would you interpret ‘categorically speaking’ in the third passage? Does it mean ‘strictly speaking’? PS: the first speaker was a lawyer speaking to his client, a novelist and gay. Thanks! And this excerpt is taken from The Lacuna by Kingsolver.