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

His specialty is modernism, but there are few cooler, more technically flawless guides to a wide range of repertory than the pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard. —New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025

In the clip, the actor can be overheard dancing around the topic and explaining that the news is technically still under wraps. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025

There was, technically, room on this loveseat for two. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025

According to that definition, heavy snowfalls and severe cold aren't technically required for a blizzard. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2