technically

American  

[tek-nik-lee] / ˈtɛk nɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that is peculiar to a certain specialized field of study or activity.

   The part of the body that relates to the saddle on a conventional machine is technically termed the perineum.

2. with regard to the detailed formal skills and competencies expected in the practice of a particular art or sport.

   There are many artists who study hard and become technically proficient, but they don't touch people in the way that a few great artists have.

3. in a way that relies on a strict interpretation of words or rules.

   Today (well, technically yesterday, as it's now 3 a.m.) I went to the immigration office to see what was holding things up.

4. in a way that has to do with technology or the trades as opposed to academics or the arts.

   If you are technically inclined, you can build a lighting system yourself with some good LED lights and a car battery.

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Other Word Forms

• hypertechnically adverb
• nontechnically adverb
• overtechnically adverb
• pretechnically adverb
• quasi-technically adverb
• untechnically adverb

Etymology

Origin of technically

technical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Once storage fills up—a condition known in industry parlance as “tank tops”—producers face the technically and politically costly reality of halting production.

From The Wall Street Journal

While China can technically replace Iranian barrels with Russian or Gulf supply, Beijing is alarmed by price spikes that could damage its already-stressed domestic economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

That technically rests with the National People's Congress or NPC, which will convene on Thursday.

From BBC

The agreement — technically a memorandum of understanding — first would need to be approved by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the federal government and agencies in Arizona and Nevada.

From Los Angeles Times

The waterway has not technically been closed, but major maritime companies have suspended travel through it as insurance costs soar amid heightened risk.

From Barron's