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

These days, there is practically no limit to what influencers can do—and how much they can earn for it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then she sniffed and added, ‘He’s too old for me anyway. He’s practically ancient.’

From Literature

The administration, in fact, had deeper strategic designs than it could practically advertise though it didn’t hide them either.

From The Wall Street Journal

I could practically see the tears pressing against the backs of the girl’s eyeballs, and before I could think better of it, I found myself putting a companionable arm around her shoulders and squeezing.

From Literature

“The original cost was $350, so it was practically double the amount.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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