English Reference

Word

virtually

Phoneticsvir·tu·al·ly, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈvɝtʃuəɫi/

UK/vˈɜːtʃuːəli/

Adverb of degree

Definitions

01almost entirely

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adv. nearly or almost completely.

adv. nearly or almost entirely; used to indicate that a statement is true in almost every respect.

“The stadium was virtually empty by the time the final whistle blew.”

“The new regulations have made it virtually impossible for small businesses to compete without significant external investment.”

Usage

Usually placed before the adjective or verb it modifies.

02online or via computer

B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing

adv. done using a computer or the internet rather than in the real world.

adv. by means of computer software or the internet, rather than through physical presence.

“We met virtually for months before we finally saw each other in person.”

“The conference was held virtually, allowing participants from six different continents to engage in real-time workshops without the need for international travel.”

03in essence

C1 · Advanced Formal

adv. true for all practical purposes, even if not strictly or technically true.

adv. in essence or effect, though not formally or technically so.

“He is virtually the head of the company, even though his title is different.”

“By refusing to sign the treaty, the nation has virtually declared its intention to continue the conflict regardless of international pressure.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “virtually” in context.

Adjective

01. virtually absent

“During the summer months, rainfall is virtually absent in this part of the country.”

adv + adj

02. virtually identical

“The two mobile phone models are virtually identical in terms of design and features.”

adv + adj

Real-World Examples

“Insects are highly successful on land and in fresh water, yet the open ocean contains virtually none.”
ScienceDaily 27 Jul 2026
“Today, virtually every volume brand offers some form of cloud-based telematics or a connected services stack.”
Ars Technica 21 Jul 2026
“Virtually the lone holdout is Microsoft, which gives users the option to store passkeys in the Windows TPM.”
Ars Technica 11 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English vertually; equivalent to virtual + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

virtually(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference