practically

[prak-tik-lee]

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.

practically

/ -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?

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of practically¹

First recorded in 1615–25; practical + -ly

Example Sentences

OpenAI is practically a household name these days, but six years ago it was just another start-up with little name recognition.

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That someone would utter those words about Sasaki is practically unimaginable given that barely a month ago, he was on rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City—and it wasn’t going well.

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“Rare earths and permanent magnets are key elements for practically everything with any digital element in it,” Sefcovic said.

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How could a newcomer who practically vanished when he went down with a shoulder impingement five months earlier become the team’s most dominant reliever?

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This disciplined capital allocation — returning all free cash flow to shareholders via dividends and buybacks — makes it practically saintly.

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Related Words

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