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

Bruland, who had her own bookkeeping business, started transferring large amounts of money from the couple's joint account in July 2022, and by December it was virtually empty.

From BBC

Reform voters are less supportive than other voters of virtually any measure designed to address climate change.

From BBC

“Florida has seen spikes in infectious diseases like measles, diseases we had virtually eliminated before Ladapo took office. This decision… makes Floridians less safe.”

From Salon

After the pandemic, the studio model that once allowed new tentpole films to be released in theaters virtually every week of the year was hobbled.

From Salon

But it was only just a few days ago that Allen came under fire for virtually attending the Moscow Film Festival as a guest of honor.

From Los Angeles Times

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.