Today we'll look at the expression "technically" this is used in modern English when we want to say that while something is true on paper but it may not be true in actuality.
A: You're married?!?!?
B: Well, technically I'm still married but we've been separated for 2 years and are in the middle of getting a divorce.
So this is used to express that based on precise facts or a specific definition X is true BUT in reality it may not be all that true.
Technically most Japanese people are Buddhists. If you ask them "What religion do you follow?" they'll answer "I'm Buddhist". Actually though, most Japanese people don't read about Buddha or go to temples all that often or pray to Buddha so really they're not all that Buddhist. It's like in Europe where most Europeans are technically Christian but don't really go to Church anymore.
As you can see it is used to contrast two levels of truth, an objective & subjective truth.
A: Do you still work at Panasonic?
B: Yeah, technically I still work there but I quit last month and have been using my vacation days. Even though I no longer go to the office, my last official work day will be in 2 weeks.
You can find a nice discussion about the usage of technically here. Any questions?
Phil
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