technically

[tek-nik-lee]

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of technically¹

technical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

A supernova is, therefore, technically first an implosion.

Read more on Space Scoop

While viruses are technically not alive, it is their nature to mutate and evolve.

Read more on Salon

Alphabet’s stock has rallied over the past several months, and calling it technically overbought is an understatement.

Read more on MarketWatch

Markets are technically open Friday, but there’s a catch: The New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market, and over-the-counter markets will open at 9:30 a.m.

Read more on Barron's

They are, however, technically classified as executive agencies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal