technically
TEHK-nih-kuhl-ee
Technically (adv) means Strictly speaking, according to the precise facts or rules, even though it may seem to contradict common belief. Example: “Technically, spiders are not insects because they have eight legs.”
adv
1
Strictly speaking, according to the precise facts or rules, even though it may seem to contradict common belief.
"Technically, he was Canadian, but everyone assumed he was American."
"Technically, spiders are not insects because they have eight legs."
"I'm technically on holiday, but I still check my email."
"Technically, a guinea pig is not a pig, nor is it from Guinea."
"Technically, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable."
2
In terms of skill or technique.
"The young gymnast is technically very strong, but she needs more confidence."
"He was technically gifted, yet his paintings felt strangely empty."
"Although she is technically gifted, her piano playing lacks passion."
"The pianist played technically brilliantly, if a little coldly."
How to use technically
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStrictly by the rules or facts — often used to point out a detail that clashes with common assumption.
Common pairings
technically speaking
technically correct
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more technically
- Superlative
- most technically
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, spiders are not insects because they have eight legs.
Etymology
From technical plus the adverb suffix "-ly."
Related words
Rhymes for technically
See all rhymes for technically →Frequently asked questions
What does “technically” mean?
The word “technically” means strictly speaking, according to the precise facts or rules, even though it may seem to contradict common belief. In plain terms, strictly by the rules or facts — often used to point out a detail that clashes with common assumption.
How do you pronounce “technically”?
“Technically” is pronounced TEHK-nih-kuhl-ee (/ˈtɛk.nɪˌkəl.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “technically” in a sentence?
Here is “technically” used in a sentence: “Technically, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable.”
What part of speech is “technically”?
“Technically” is an adverb.
Is “technically” a common word?
“Technically” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “technically” have?
“Technically” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strictly speaking, according to the precise facts or rules, even though it may seem to contradict common belief.
What is the difference between technically and strictly speaking?
Both signal that a statement is true according to precise rules or facts, and they are often interchangeable. "Technically" is more compact and conversational, while "strictly speaking" is slightly more formal, but both flag that the literal truth may differ from common belief.
What is the difference between the two meanings of technically?
Technically can mean "strictly speaking, according to the exact rules," as in "technically, a tomato is a fruit," or it can mean "in terms of skill or technique," as in "a technically brilliant performance." Context usually makes clear which sense is intended.
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