practically

American  

[prak-tik-lee] / ˈpræk tɪk li /

adverb

1. in effect; virtually.

   It is practically useless to protest.

2. in a practical manner.

   to think practically.

3. from a practical point of view.

   Practically speaking, the plan is not very promising.

4. almost; nearly.

   Their provisions were practically gone.

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practically British  

/ -klɪ, ˈpræktɪkəlɪ /

adverb

1. virtually; almost

   it has rained practically every day

2. in actuality rather than in theory

   what can we do practically to help?

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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

First recorded in 1615–25; practical + -ly

Example Sentences

“But right now it’s practically and legally impossible.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Robin lives in a vastly different world than her own sister, although they are practically in adjacent zip codes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gower said with all of the moving parts and elements of Vecna’s body that they wanted to change for the new season, it would have been a “logistical nightmare” to pull off practically.

From Los Angeles Times

In the title role, here not a Greek king but a politician seeking election, Mr. Strong was so forceful you could practically hear the stage groaning with each step he took.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, given the current state of the internet, where data brokers are embedded in practically every site you visit, making their job harder is definitely a worthwhile endeavor.

From Salon

Related Words

• approximately
• basically
• essentially
• morally
• nearly
• virtually