technically

adverb

1. 1

   Based on precise facts, which, however, may be contrary to common belief or casual terminology.

   Near-synonym: stricto sensu

   Technically, he was Canadian, but everyone assumed he was American.

   Technically, a guinea pig is not a pig, nor is it from Guinea.

   Mary Slessor wasn’t technically the first missionary to oppose twin killing in Calabar, but she was unquestionably the most effective and relentless.

2. 2

   Based on formal (de jure) arguments, which, however, may be misleading.

   technically correct

   Due to an omission in the peace treaty of the Russo-Japanese War, Montenegro was technically at war with Japan for 102 years.

   Stalin was not technically the Head of State.

   Number 1.0 [the head bureaucrat of a legion of bureaucrats]: Bureaucrat Conrad, you are technically correct — the best kind of correct. I hereby promote you to grade 37.

3. 3

   In terms of technique.

   Although she is technically gifted, her piano playing lacks passion.

   In Choosing Children one literally feels as if one were entering the lives of these parents and feels welcomed as they share their experiences with us openly and generously. Technically, this effect is enhanced by the straightforward camera work.

4. 4

   In a technical (involving specialized knowledge) way.

   The ladies were not much the wiser, though, I confess, they were not far removed from the door. The great men inside talked indistinctly and technically, and once Doctor Dillon was so unfeeling as to crack a joke […]

5. 5

   According to the current state of technology.

   For now, it is technically impossible to have a manned flight to Mercury.

Forms

comparative

more technically

superlative

most technically