technically
technically
UK[ˈtɛknɪkli]US[ˈtɛknɪkli]
adv
According to the exact meaning or facts; strictly speaking.
adv
In a way that relates to the practical use of machinery or methods in science and industry.
adv
In a way that shows detailed knowledge of a complex subject or process.
Morpheme Breakdown
techn
ic
ally
techn
craft, art
ic
adjective suffix
ally
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word 'technically' has a lineage tracing back to the Greek tekhnē, which broadly signified art, craft, or systematic skill. This root entered Latin as technicus and later passed into English via French, forming the adjective 'technical', meaning pertaining to the mechanical arts or precise details. The addition of the adverbial suffix '-ally' transforms it, creating a word that fundamentally means 'in a manner pertaining to skill or precise method'. Over time, its usage evolved from describing literal mechanical skill to encompassing strict adherence to formal rules or precise definitions in any field, highlighting the journey from concrete craft to abstract precision.
Analysis
Structure: techn (craft, art) + ic (adjective suffix) + ally (adverb suffix)
- techn: From Greek tekhnē, meaning 'art, craft, skill'. In this word, it functions as the core root relating to systematic knowledge or method.
- ic: A suffix of Greek and Latin origin, used to form adjectives meaning 'of or pertaining to'. Here, it forms the adjective 'technical'.
- ally: A suffix derived from Latin -ālis via French -el and -ment, commonly used to form adverbs from adjectives ending in '-ic' or '-ical'.
Examples
Technically, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable.
He explained the process technically, using many specialized terms.
The device is technically advanced but not very user-friendly.