virtually
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
nearly or almost completely.
nearly or almost entirely; used to indicate that a statement is true in almost every respect.
Simple“The stadium was virtually empty by the time the final whistle blew.”
In context“The new regulations have made it virtually impossible for small businesses to compete without significant external investment.”
UsageUsually placed before the adjective or verb it modifies.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
done using a computer or the internet rather than in the real world.
by means of computer software or the internet, rather than through physical presence.
Simple“We met virtually for months before we finally saw each other in person.”
In context“The conference was held virtually, allowing participants from six different continents to engage in real-time workshops without the need for international travel.”
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
true for all practical purposes, even if not strictly or technically true.
in essence or effect, though not formally or technically so.
Simple“He is virtually the head of the company, even though his title is different.”
In context“By refusing to sign the treaty, the nation has virtually declared its intention to continue the conflict regardless of international pressure.”
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage virtually absent · virtually identical
“Insects are highly successful on land and in fresh water, yet the open ocean contains virtually none.”
“Today, virtually every volume brand offers some form of cloud-based telematics or a connected services stack.”
From Middle English vertually; equivalent to virtual + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.