virtually
VURT-shoor-lee
Virtually (adv) means Almost entirely; for all practical purposes. Example: “The shop is virtually empty on weekday mornings, so it's easy to browse.”
adv
1
Almost entirely; for all practical purposes.
"The shop is virtually empty on weekday mornings, so it's easy to browse."
"The project is virtually finished — just a few small fixes left."
"It's virtually impossible to get a table there without a reservation."
2
By means of a computer or the internet.
"Grandma joined the family party virtually, watching everything on her tablet."
"Our book club now meets virtually, so nobody has to travel."
"The conference was held virtually this year instead of in person."
How to use virtually
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAlmost completely, or, in newer use, done online rather than face to face.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more virtually
- Superlative
- most virtually
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The shop is _____ empty on weekday mornings, so it's easy to browse.
Etymology
From virtual plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for virtually
See all rhymes for 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.
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