virtually

word

/ˈvɝtʃuəɫi/
VUR-choo-uh-lee
/vˈɜːtʃuːəli/
VUR-choo-uh-lee

Definition

Used to mean 'almost' or 'nearly', or to describe something that exists or happens on computers or the internet instead of in the real world.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both formal and informal writing. Often used to emphasize 'almost' without being exact (e.g., 'virtually impossible'). In technology contexts, refers to something done in a digital or online environment ('virtually meet'). Don't confuse with 'literally', which means 'exactly as stated.'

Example Sentences

The room was virtually empty.

basic

She virtually finished her homework.

basic

It's virtually impossible to solve this puzzle.

basic

We met virtually because we live in different countries.

natural

After the update, my phone was virtually useless until I restarted it.

natural

This website has answers to virtually every question you can think of.

natural