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

Tonight, I discovered that “it’s taken care of” meant he would pay it on the 15th before it was technically late — and from the emergency fund that was not to be touched.

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Let’s take a closer look at how each is shaping up technically.

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Seoul and Pyongyang technically remain at war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not a peace treaty.

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Though Newcastle players technically covered more distance - 116.85km in all - they did not look their usual intense selves after Murphy gave them an early lead.

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While technically, of course, the monarch is the ultimate boss, Parliament writes the cheques, through what's known as the Sovereign Grant, and has the power to scrutinise the Palace's spending.

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