virtual
VURT-shoorl
Virtual (adj) means existing in effect, though not officially or in a strict physical sense. Example: “After the scandal, he became a virtual prisoner in his own home.”
adj
1
Existing in effect, though not officially or in a strict physical sense.
"After the scandal, he became a virtual prisoner in his own home."
"The two companies operate as a virtual monopoly in the region."
"Since he did all the work, he was the virtual leader of the group."
2
Existing or conducted through a computer or online rather than in person.
"The team held a virtual meeting instead of flying everyone in."
"She built a whole virtual world for the game using 3D modeling software."
"Our book club now meets in a virtual room so members can join from home."
How to use virtual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "practically true, even if not officially so" or "existing online/on a computer rather than physically."
Common pairings
virtual reality
a virtual meeting
a virtual assistant
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Word forms
- Plural
- virtuals
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After the scandal, he became a _____ prisoner in his own home.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin virtualis, "having power or effect," from Latin virtus ("power, virtue").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for virtual
See all rhymes for virtual →Frequently asked questions
What does “virtual” mean?
The word “virtual” means existing in effect, though not officially or in a strict physical sense. In plain terms, either "practically true, even if not officially so" or "existing online/on a computer rather than physically.".
How do you pronounce “virtual”?
“Virtual” is pronounced VURT-shoorl (/ˈvɜɹt͡ʃuəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “virtual” in a sentence?
Here is “virtual” used in a sentence: “After the scandal, he became a virtual prisoner in his own home.”
What is another word for “virtual”?
Words with a similar meaning to “virtual” include cyberreal.
What part of speech is “virtual”?
“Virtual” is an adjective.
Where does the word “virtual” come from?
The word “virtual” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin virtualis, "having power or effect," from Latin virtus ("power, virtue").
Is “virtual” a common word?
“Virtual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “virtual” have?
“Virtual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: existing in effect, though not officially or in a strict physical sense.
What is the difference between virtual and actual?
Virtual means existing in effect or practice but not in a strict, official, or physical sense, as in a virtual monopoly. Actual means real and factual, so the two are often contrasted: something can be a virtual certainty without being an actual, confirmed fact yet.
What is the difference between a virtual meeting and an in-person meeting?
A virtual meeting is conducted through a computer or online rather than face to face, with participants joining from separate locations. An in-person meeting takes place physically in the same room, so virtual specifically signals that the interaction happens over a digital connection.
When does virtual mean "almost" rather than "online"?
Virtual means almost or effectively when it describes something true in effect but not officially, as in "a virtual standstill" or "the virtual leader of the party." The online meaning applies only when technology is involved, such as virtual reality or a virtual classroom.
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