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

Both votes will technically be on invoking cloture on motions to proceed to the legislation and will require 60 votes to succeed. —December 11, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

His concepts are technically advanced but still simple enough for wide-scale adoption and deployment on the machine floor. —K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

Since the end of the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays have technically bolstered their rotation with three starting pitchers. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Conviction integrity unit first launched in 2024 The prosecutor's office technically already has a conviction integrity unit, launched in 2024 by former prosecutor Melissa Powers after four homicide cases were overturned in the previous two years. —Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2