practically

American  

[prak-tik-lee] / ˈpræk tɪk li /

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.

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practically British  

/ -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?

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of practically

First recorded in 1615–25; practical + -ly

Example Sentences

No. This man practically saved Southern California from itself, and we didn’t even name a freeway off-ramp in his honor.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"The Gulf is just in that place where, with the current technology, you can get to practically anywhere on Earth," he says.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

“Germany’s trade with Poland is now practically on a par with its trade with France, and far exceeds its trade with Italy, Austria, or the United Kingdom,” Glapinski said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

By the end, "the village was practically deserted", she said, getting emotional as she described her tulip-filled home.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Papa didn’t know it, but he had practically brought me back from the grave.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Related Words

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