technically

adverb

tech·​ni·​cal·​ly ˈtek-ni-k(ə-)lē 

1

: with regard to or in accordance with a strict or literal interpretation of something (such as a rule, a term, or an official description or designation)

What they're doing is technically illegal.

Technically, a tomato is a fruit.

Terry-Thomas's character gives a splendid display of gamesmanship in a tennis match that he wins unfairly without technically cheating.

—Tim Stanley

The business happens to be in Woodside, N.Y., in the borough of Queens, which technically isn't part of Long Island …

—Paul R. Martin

While she wasn't technically beautiful, she was striking.

—Sue Grafton

2

: with regard to technology

a more technically advanced vehicle

a technically feasible solution

Looking through the telescope via computer from, say, your office is now technically possible …

—Aubrey Wallace

3

: with regard to technique (as in a performance or movement)

a technically flawless gymnastic routine

musicians learning to play a technically difficult passage

… he is a resourceful, technically polished actor …

—Michael Goodwin

Hagen's awareness that his own method of hitting the ball could be improved had earlier helped him make his swing more technically sound …

—Herbert Warren Wind

Examples of technically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The site is technically a Kansas City park, although the city’s Parks and Recreation website makes no mention of it. —Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024

The House companion bill, HB 1202, technically only needs a final vote in the lower chamber after passing through committees last year. —Rachel Wegner, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024

Spanish chorizo is cured and smoked (technically fully cooked), pleasantly smoky and firm in texture. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

The two-door 500e technically seats four, but rear legroom is a rumor more than a feature. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 10 Apr. 2024

But other experts don’t have as rosy an outlook for the agency, which technically operates independently from the executive branch of the U.S. federal government. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024

While there are many training programs and accreditations available for wedding and event professionals, technically, there is no formal license required to be a wedding planner. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2024

This is technically true in that paying the money into Truth and Courage is not the same as paying Cruz directly. —Ariel Shapiro, The Verge, 9 Apr. 2024

Not technically an engagement photo 💍 ❤️… but could be. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2