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

Corridian is addressing a real operational gap in a way that is both technically credible and scalable. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026

Ornamental Grasses While not technically shrubs, large clumps of ornamental grasses serve similar functions to shrubs in the landscape, such as providing structure, sculptural form, shade, and wildlife habitat. — The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026

The card technically earns Citi ThankYou® Points that can be redeemed for cash back or used for travel, including transfers to Citi's hotel and airline partners. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

The Draken technically isn’t period-accurate for The Odyssey’s Late Bronze Age setting. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2