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

And that technically was not quite as bad, as Padres relievers combined to allow 28 runs over 19⅓ innings from May 13 to 17 of that year. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025

After noticing an approaching storm, one official told The Seattle Times, the group began descending along a gully described as steep and technically challenging. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

In 2018, Kristen Stewart took off her high heels on the red carpet in defiance of a technically unofficial Cannes requirement that women wear heels, per Vogue. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 May 2025

Their season isn’t technically done yet, but with Tatum sidelined and the Knicks ahead by two games, the end is likely to come soon. —Jay King, New York Times, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2