semitechnical

Semitechnical is an adjective used to describe content, concepts, or tools that lie between purely non-technical and fully technical material. It denotes material that retains essential technical accuracy while remaining accessible to readers without specialized expertise. The term is often hyphenated as semi-technical in some style guides, but semitechnical is also encountered in various publications.

Etymology and scope: Semitechnical derives from the combination of technical and semi- or half. It is not a formal classification in standards bodies, but a descriptive label used in writing, documentation, and communication to signal a balance between precision and understandability. The exact degree of technical detail considered semitechnical can vary by field, audience, and purpose.

Usage and examples: Semitechnical content appears in user guides, tutorials, briefing documents, white papers intended for a broad audience, and policy summaries about technology. Examples include explanations of how a software feature works for general users, glossaries that define jargon, and diagrams that illustrate mechanisms without assuming specialized training.

Guidelines and considerations: Writing semitechnical material should define relevant jargon, use plain language where possible, and provide concrete examples or analogies. Clear structure, explicit objectives, and supportive visuals help bridge technical concepts to non-specialists. A common risk is oversimplification, which can omit important details; the aim is to preserve essential accuracy while maintaining accessibility.

Relation to related terms: Semitechnical sits between non-technical (plain-language) and technical (specialist-focused) writing. It emphasizes clarity without sacrificing core technical meaning, making content usable by a broader audience.