virtually
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for virtually, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Almost entirely; for all practical purposes.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From virtual plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of virtually →Frequently asked questions
What does “virtually” mean?
The word “virtually” means almost entirely; for all practical purposes. In plain terms, almost completely, or, in newer use, done online rather than face to face.
How do you pronounce “virtually”?
“Virtually” is pronounced VURT-shoor-lee (/ˈvɚ.t͡ʃə.wə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “virtually” in a sentence?
Here is “virtually” used in a sentence: “The project is virtually finished — just a few small fixes left.”
What part of speech is “virtually”?
“Virtually” is an adverb.
Is “virtually” a common word?
“Virtually” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “virtually” have?
“Virtually” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: almost entirely; for all practical purposes.
What is the difference between "virtually" and "almost"?
Both can mean nearly or not quite complete, and they are often interchangeable, as in "virtually finished" or "almost finished." Virtually leans slightly more towards "for all practical purposes," suggesting something is effectively true even if not literally so.
Why does "virtually" have two very different meanings?
In one sense virtually means almost entirely or for all practical purposes, as in "virtually impossible." In a separate sense it means by means of a computer or the internet, as in "meeting virtually," so the intended meaning depends heavily on context.
When should you use "virtually" instead of "practically"?
Virtually and practically both mean "in effect" or "nearly" and are usually interchangeable. Practically can sound slightly more informal, while virtually is common in both everyday and formal writing.