Origin: Latin suffix -al
Technical has 11 different meanings across 2 categories:
a pickup truck with a gun mounted on it
"The police officer approached the armored technical that was blocking the main highway entrance."
(basketball) a foul that can be assessed on a player or a coach or a team for unsportsmanlike conduct; does not usually involve physical contact during play
"The referee called a technical foul against the coach after he argued loudly from the sideline, since no physical contact occurred during the incident."
A pickup truck with a gun mounted on it.
"The police chief ordered another technical to be deployed before they attempted the rescue operation in the valley."
In plain English: A technical is a formal meeting where experts discuss specific details of a project or problem.
"The engineer spent hours fixing the technical on the old machine."
of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill
"his technical innovation was his brushwork"
"the technical dazzle of her dancing"
characterizing or showing skill in or specialized knowledge of applied arts and sciences
"a technical problem"
"highly technical matters hardly suitable for the general public"
"a technical report"
"producing the A-bomb was a challenge to the technical people of this country"
"technical training"
"technical language"
of or relating to a practical subject that is organized according to scientific principles
"technical college"
"technological development"
relating to or concerned with machinery or tools
"mechanical arts"
"mechanical design"
"mechanical skills"
"a technical fault"
according to strict interpretation of the law or set of rules
"Although his actions seemed kind, they were technically illegal under the new zoning regulations."
resulting from or dependent on market factors rather than fundamental economic considerations
"analysts content that the stock market is due for a technical rally"
"the fall is only a technical correction"
Specifically related to a particular discipline.
"The new software update introduced several technical features specifically designed for graphic designers."
In plain English: Something technical is related to how machines or complex systems work rather than general knowledge.
"The instructions were too technical, so I had to ask someone else for help."
Usage: Use technical when describing knowledge, language, or equipment that belongs specifically to a certain profession or field of study. This term distinguishes specialized expertise from general understanding applicable to everyday life.
The word "technical" comes from Late Latin technicus and Ancient Greek tekhnikos, which originally meant relating to a skill or craft. English adopted the term directly from these earlier forms, shifting its focus toward specialized knowledge rather than just manual ability.