Meaning & use
technically
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
According to the exact rules or facts, even if this is not how people normally think of it.
Grammar: Often placed at the start or before the verb: technically, he is still a member.
Patterns
- technically speaking
- technically + adjective
Technically, a tomato is a fruit, though most people cook it as a vegetable.
She is technically my boss, but we work as equals.
The match was technically a draw, though both teams celebrated.
adverbnot comparable
In terms of skill or method, rather than feeling or style.
Grammar: Usually describes a performance or ability: technically brilliant.
Patterns
- technically + adjective
- technically gifted
The pianist was technically flawless but seemed bored.
It was a technically difficult climb, with several sheer sections.
He is technically a better player than his brother, yet less exciting to watch.
adverbnot comparable
In a way that concerns machines, science or specialist fields.
Grammar: Used before an adjective such as complex or advanced: technically complex.
Patterns
- technically complex
- technically advanced
The project was technically complex and took years to finish.
Their new phone is technically far ahead of its rivals.
The report was technically accurate but hard for most readers to follow.
Common combinations
- technically speaking
- Technically speaking, the museum opens at nine, but staff let us in early.
- technically correct
- His answer was technically correct but missed the point.
- technically possible
- It is technically possible to cross the lake in a day.
- technically illegal
- Selling the tickets for more than their price is technically illegal.
- technically challenging
- The film was technically challenging to shoot underwater.
Synonyms and how they differ
- strictly speaking
- Strictly speaking is a spoken phrase with nearly the same force, but it is less likely to suggest a specialist rule.
- officially
- Officially refers to what authorities have declared, while technically refers to what the exact rules or facts say.
- in theory
- In theory suggests something should work but may not in practice, which is a little different from technically.
- literally
- Literally stresses the actual meaning of words and is often overused, while technically points to rules or exact facts.
Opposites
Word family
- technical adjective
- relating to specialist methods, skills or exact rules
- technicality noun
- a small point that depends on a strict rule
- technique noun
- a method or skill for doing something
- technician noun
- a person who works with technical equipment
Commonly confused: technically or technologically?
technically vs technologically
Technologically means in terms of technology, such as machines and electronics. Technically is broader and can mean according to strict rules.
Practice
Which sentence uses technically to point out a strict fact that differs from common belief?
Choose one answer.
The second sentence contrasts the strict fact (they compete) with how things appear in practice. In the first, technically refers to skill, and the last two do not suggest any contrast.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “technically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.