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 once you were admitted upstairs, like I was, since I was practically one of them, well, then you got to see what it meant to be a detective.

From Literature

The shop is devoted to highlighting banned books and uplifting marginalized authors, all from an inviting, thoughtfully designed space that practically insists you linger.

From Salon

“It is practically impossible that the development, promulgation, communication, and implementation of this policy has been, and will be, accomplished — as required — without using a single dollar of annually appropriated funds,” they wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's a real foundational story for Welsh culture and sense of Welsh identity, and yet there's been practically nothing done about it," the actor says.

From BBC

"Increased oil income from higher output and reduced discounts will boost cash flows and help a currency market that is practically dry," he said.

From Barron's

Related Words

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