practically
Americanadverb
-
virtually; almost
it has rained practically every day
-
in actuality rather than in theory
what can we do practically to help?
Usage
A few usage guides object to the use of practically in the senses “in effect, virtually” and “almost, nearly.” Both uses, however, are well established and standard in all varieties of speech and writing.
Etymology
Origin of practically
Explanation
Practically means "nearly," like being practically broke if you have three dollars left in the whole world. It also means "done in a practical way" — if you wear sneakers on a long walk, you’re dressed practically. There are two main senses of practically. If you have practically no free time, you have nearly no free time. If your hair is practically blonde, it is almost blonde. Also, this word can refer to the sense of practical as sensible and realistic. A smart worker will know how to get the job done practically (efficiently). A smart investor will invest money practically (wisely). Doing things practically is the opposite of being reckless and unrealistic.
Vocabulary lists containing practically
Holes
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Frindle
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Disney World, for example, has practically made an industry out of carefully cultivated hospitality.
From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026
The Dodgers entered the postseason with the best rotation of any team on paper, led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who proved to be practically superhuman in the World Series last year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2026
On the soccer field, Haaland was practically levitating.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
"He was such a big draw to this movie because of his experience and his expertise in the stunt world, and how he likes to do things practically," Biel said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026
Rowdy knew that practically every time Grandpa gave me some candy, he was supposed to get something to eat, too.
From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
