virtually

American  

[vur-choo-uh-lee] / ˈvɜr tʃu ə li /

adverb

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

   He is virtually unknown.

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virtually British  

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of virtually

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

Example Sentences

There are not many playwrights, or artists in general, who manage to sustain the high quality of their work virtually from the beginning of their career until its conclusion.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Software updates were already rolled out overnight on virtually all devices," Tabarot explained.

From BBC

She also asked to be allowed to attend parliamentary sessions virtually.

From BBC

But because eels cannot be bred in captivity, much of the trade is in wild-caught baby eels, with one species virtually indistinguishable from another.

From Barron's

“The practice of security holds is virtually unheard of in other counties and has not been proven to improve outcomes in the legal system,” Ukpo said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• basically
• essentially
• nearly
• practically