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

The costs of launching an act like Sienna Rose are practically zero, but her music is making an estimated £2,000 in royalties per week.

From BBC

On game days, former players said, the menu was practically set in stone.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stocks have shrugged off…practically everything in the first two weeks of the year.

From Barron's

Stocks have shrugged off…practically everything in the first two weeks of the year.

From Barron's

He sees it as a tool to “solve your problems spiritually and practically so that you can see results right away.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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