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

Not that he talked much to begin with, but now he was practically nonverbal.

From Los Angeles Times

While the the items were recovered, shop owner Alex Badham said many cards were damaged by petrol in the failed getaway and were now practically worthless.

From BBC

How do people practically apply that in their dating lives?

From Los Angeles Times

Mendoza said she talks to the Hell Cats practically every day.

From Salon

“Listen, I’m sorry I was weird yesterday,” he continues, practically reading my mind.

From Literature

Related Words

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