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

A red flag for sure, but it’s not long before Nina is practically loading a harpoon gun with red flags and firing them at her new housemaid, left and right.

From Salon

After deciphering practically nothing, I sent a letter to our housekeeper, Viola, in Wales, and promptly enlisted the help of Colin and Marion.

From Literature

"And then, after many exchanges, everything sped up: in a month we had practically done everything," he said.

From Barron's

The teacher drones on about upcoming school events practically the whole twenty minutes.

From Literature

“Well now’s your big chance, when there’s practically nobody around,” Door said.

From Literature

Related Words

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