virtually

[vur-choo-uh-lee]

adverb

1. for the most part; almost wholly; just about.

   He is virtually unknown.

virtually

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. in effect though not in fact; practically; nearly

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtually¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; virtual, -ly

Example Sentences

"There used to be a concentrated effort on those who might have had criminal histories or prior arrests," said Ms Claxton, whose clients mostly appear virtually to avoid detention.

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While the president’s authority to grant clemency for federal crimes is virtually unfettered, the power to impose vengeance via prison assignments isn’t clear.

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This three-year rally has overcome the headwinds of high interest rates, recession warnings, tariff and political uncertainty, and myriad regional conflicts that would have stopped virtually every other bull market dead in its tracks.

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Another financial attraction is that there is virtually no inheritance tax in Italy, unlike in the U.K.

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“This vile attack came virtually at the close of the U.N. General Assembly week,” Zelensky wrote Sunday morning on social media.

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Related Words

• basically 
• essentially 
• nearly 
• practically 

When To Use

What does virtually mean?

Virtually most generally means in effect but not in fact, as in Today, virtually all cell phones are smartphones. Close synonyms are nearly, practically, and just about—they all mean virtually the same thing.Virtually is the adverb form of the adjective virtual, which is most generally used to describe something as being the same as something else in almost every way, except perhaps in name or some other minor, technical sense. For example, describing a company as a virtual monopoly means it’s pretty much a monopoly but not technically one, perhaps because it has a few minor competitors.Virtual also commonly means simulated or extended by computer software. The word is used this way in virtual reality, which refers to a fully simulated environment. To render something virtually is to create a representation or simulation of it using a computer.Sometimes, things described as virtual may not involve simulation at all, such as a virtual meeting or a virtual concert. The use of virtual in these phrases represents a more recent sense of the word that means something like “remote and via the internet” (especially when accessed via a live video feed).Virtually can be used in the same way, as in I can’t make it into the office, but I’ll be working virtually. Example: Virtually everyone agrees with the proposal—it has a 99.9% approval rating.