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

The season wasn’t technically over, but maybe I was late noticing the shine fading.

From Salon

“These two areas are cautionary tales for what happens when the military gains control of the skies — even if the land underneath remains technically public,” she wrote in an email.

From Los Angeles Times

"I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow," said Marcelino on Monday.

From BBC

For weeks now, the Dodgers have technically been in a tight division race.

From Los Angeles Times

Well, technically it’s called Lily’s Bar now, but to me it will always be MiniBar — the inconspicuous hole-in-the-wall bar found inside the Best Western — no, wait, the Adler a Hollywood Hills Hotel on Franklin Avenue.

From Los Angeles Times