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

That’s because chicken eggs technically cook at two temperatures. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025

While Vought was not technically atop the agency at the time, the White House indicated he was involved in the process. —Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025

That exclusive partnership, which will be on national display during the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Sunday, technically preceded the launch of a multibillion-dollar sports betting industry in the U.S., which has stronger ties than ever to pro sports leagues, including the NFL. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Brand new Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims now to be acting head of the agency; is this technically true? —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2