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

It’s paid dividends in Montreal, where bold, complete tennis has helped Nakashima win more critical points in matches without changing too much in his game technically. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

County and state officials have backed off immediate intervention after finding LAUSD technically compliant with a budget deadline. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Another wrinkle is that Gomez’s term technically expired on June 30. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Except, technically, this is the city’s first official celebration of Pride month in 2026 as Charlotte always celebrates Pride in August. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2