literally与technically的比较

literally: 真心地，不夸张地
technically: 严格来讲（含转折），其实

https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/26185/usage-of-the-word-technically

Question

I use this word in my daily language even without knowing what it actually means.

Technically speaking, there is no big difference between […] and […].

So what does this word imply, not in the literal sense but when we combine it with a sentence? Is there a specific context to which we are supposed to limit the usage of this word? Because I hear it almost everyday.

Can we substitute the above sentence with "literally speaking, there is no big difference between […] and […]"?

Is the word technically supposed to bring out the meaning as in "literally" does? Are they synonymous? Can we use them interchangeably? If not, then what does the word "technically" actually refer to w.r.t daily English usage?

Answer

I like the Wiktionary definition which is "based on precise facts". Consider the following example:

I earn $9,000 per year and live comfortably, although technically I am below the poverty line.

"Technically" is used to introduce the contrasting observation that although the author considers herself well-off, she is in fact a pauper based on a precise definition of poverty. This use of "technically" to provide contrast seems typical.

I would not agree that "technically" and "literally" are interchangeable. "Literally" refers to the literal as opposed to figurative meaning of a word or phrase.