˜yÐÄvlog

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View synonyms for

virtually

[ vur-choo-uh-lee ]

adverb

  1. for the most part; almost wholly; just about:

    He is virtually unknown.



virtually

/ ˈ±¹ÉœË³Ùʃʊə±ôɪ /

adverb

  1. in effect though not in fact; practically; nearly
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of virtually1

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; virtual, -ly
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Syria's foreign ministry said the bombardment virtually destroyed the Hama base.

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A solid parliamentary bloc means that virtually no major decision has been possible without Hezbollah's consent.

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As US President Donald Trump laid out tariffs on virtually every one of America's trading partners on Wednesday, he had strong words for Beijing.

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Travis got to meet Finn virtually Wednesday when the brothers were a few minutes into their podcast.

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That period in the series' history is virtually bringing players together again in 2025.

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More About Virtually

What doesÌývirtually mean?

Virtually most generally means in effect but not in fact, as in Today, virtually all cell phones are smartphones. Close synonyms are nearly, practically, and just about—they all mean virtually the same thing.

Virtually is the adverb form of the adjectiveÌývirtual, which is most generally used to describe something as being the same as something else in almost every way, except perhaps in name or some other minor, technical sense. For example, describing a company as a virtual monopoly means it’s pretty much a monopoly but not technically one, perhaps because it has a few minor competitors.

Virtual also commonly means simulated or extended by computer software. The word is used this way in virtual reality, which refers to a fully simulated environment. To render something virtually is to create a representation or simulation of it using a computer.

Sometimes, things described as virtual may not involve simulation at all, such as a virtual meeting or a virtual concert. The use of virtual in these phrases represents a more recent sense of the word that means something like “remote and via the internet†(especially when accessed via a live video feed).

Virtually can be used in the same way, as in I can’t make it into the office, but I’ll be working virtually.Ìý

Example: Virtually everyone agrees with the proposal—it has a 99.9% approval rating.

Where doesÌývirtually come from?

The first records of the word virtually come from around 1400. It comes from the Medieval Latin ±¹¾±°ù³Ù³ÜÄå±ô¾±²õ, meaning “effective†(in the sense of having the effect of something without the form or appearance of it). The suffix -ly is used to create adverbs.

The word effectively can be used as a synonym of virtually in the same way as practically. Saying that something is virtually impossible means that in effect and for all practical purposes, it can’t be done, though it may technically be possible.

Recently, virtually has become more commonly used to describe experiencing something remotely via the internet, as in We plan to meet virtually using a video platform. Working virtually usually means the same thing as working remotely or working from home.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to virtually?

What are some synonyms for virtually?

What are some words that share a root or word element with virtually?Ìý

What are some words that often get used in discussing virtually?

How isÌývirtually used in real life?

Virtually can be used in a few different ways, but it’s most commonly used to mean “nearly†or “practically.â€

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Try usingÌývirtually!

Is virtually used correctly in the following sentence?

Virtually attending a concert is not nearly the same as being part of a live audience.

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