practically

[ prak-tik-lee ]

adverb

1. in effect; virtually:

   It is practically useless to protest.

2. in a practical manner:

   to think practically.

3. from a practical point of view:

   Practically speaking, the plan is not very promising.

4. almost; nearly:

   Their provisions were practically gone.

practically

/ -klɪ; ˈpræktɪkəlɪ /

adverb

1. virtually; almost

   it has rained practically every day

2. in actuality rather than in theory

   what can we do practically to help?

Usage Note

A few usage guides object to the use of practically in the senses “in effect, virtually” and “almost, nearly.” Both uses, however, are well established and standard in all varieties of speech and writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of practically¹

First recorded in 1615–25; practical + -ly

Example Sentences

Whether that’s philosophically or practically in Elphaba’s case, I think that to be able to say those words is a really powerful thing.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact is that many Americans are more proud of and grateful for their citizenship than practically anything else.

From Salon

And with the affordability that he could guarantee, it was practically middle-class Americans’ democratic duty, to hear him tell it, to exercise their inalienable right to see London, Paris and Rome.

From New York Times

"It's very bright, across practically all wave bands," he said.

From Science Daily

“You cannot pay a policeman practically nothing and expect him to do his job,” Salazar said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approximately
• basically
• essentially
• morally
• nearly
• virtually