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

Gosling is typically terrific, but “Project Hail Mary” is practically tailor-made for his brand of disarming allure.

From Salon

It’s a notable shift from the industry giant that practically invented the consumer market when it unleashed ChatGPT, which is still the most popular AI product ever made.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before they get to scholarship level, players would be assessed at 14 to see what education pathway suits them - whether they are academic or more practically inclined.

From BBC

By now, practically every professional investor has probably seen a table showing stock-market selloffs driven by previous geopolitical shocks have tended to be short-lived, he said.

From MarketWatch

And I had greeted one of our group by name, practically admitted a special relationship between us, when the cardinal rule of the underground was .

From Literature

Related Words

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