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 gesture, while technically an invitation, didn’t seem to mend any bridges between the sisters. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

McGowan, 47, more technically minded, focused on scaling operations, overseeing the weekly cookie rollouts, reeling in franchises and cooking up the proprietary technology that would eventually make the whole operation hum. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025

Former President Joe Biden technically reduced the deficit, but only after beginning his presidency with a $3 trillion shortfall in 2021 to fund his disastrously inflationary American Rescue Plan. —Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025

While technically a chain, Barcelona’s matchbooks may be my favorite. —Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2