technically

Adverb

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.

   Synonyms: stricto sensu

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.

   Coordinate Terms: de facto practically for all practical purposes

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...

   Synonyms: techniquewise

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. According to the current state of technology.
   • For now, it is technically impossible to have a manned flight to Mercury.

   Synonyms: technologically