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

Having shown up at both the Globes and Critics Choice, Jolie is still technically on track for a nomination. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024

So while the movie might have been technically more watched, it wasn’t advertised on Netflix’s Top 10 list for even half the time Rebel Ridge was. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

We have got used to 90 points being a minimum for a team wanting to win the league, but even if Liverpool are technically ‘on track’ for 95, maybe the quicksand of inconsistency will suck them in too at some point. —Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

Even if these Redbox machines are technically free, getting the 890-pound hunk of metal into your home requires quite a bit of physical effort (not to mention space), but these tech aficionados see many unexpected possibilities for these pieces of media history. —Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2