Dictionary.com

practically

[ prak-tik-lee ]
/ ˈprĂŠk tÉȘk li /
Save This Word!

adverb
in effect; virtually: It is practically useless to protest.
in a practical manner: to think practically.
from a practical point of view: Practically speaking, the plan is not very promising.
almost; nearly: Their provisions were practically gone.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of practically

First recorded in 1615–25; practical + -ly

usage note for practically

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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use practically in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for practically

practically
/ (ˈprĂŠktÉȘkəlÉȘ, -klÉȘ) /

adverb
virtually; almostit has rained practically every day
in actuality rather than in theorywhat can we do practically to help?
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK