technically

technical +‎ -ly

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɛk.nɪˌkəl.i/, /ˈtɛk.nɪˌkli/, /ˈtɛk.nəˌkli/

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technically (comparative more technically, superlative most technically)

1. Based on precise facts, which, however, may be contrary to common misbelief or to a traditional name.

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

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

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

   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.

   • 2014 July 14, Dan Shive, El Goonish Shive (webcomic), Comic for Monday, Jul 14, 2014:

     "I warned you not to gaze upon my grand godson with that spell. I warned you it would not work properly. Granted, you couldn't hear me then any more than you can now, and you'd never met Tedd, but I diiiid technically say it!"

   • 2021 May 5, Drachinifel, Battle of Samar - What if TF34 was there?‎, archived from the original on 19 August 2022, 45:02 from the start:

     For the Japanese, however, it's easier to summarize what is still afloat. Nagato, Kongō, and Haruna are technically still afloat, but all three are quite clearly on their way to the bottom.

3. Having or using the skills or talent required for a certain job or profession.

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

   • 1863, Sheridan Le Fanu, The House by the Churchyard:

     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 […]

4. According to the current state of technology.

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