virtually

[ vur-choo-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. for the most part; almost wholly; just about:

   He is virtually unknown.

virtually

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. in effect though not in fact; practically; nearly

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtually¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; virtual, -ly

Example Sentences

So as the Lakers get set to open their title defense of the NBA Cup on Friday in San Antonio with virtually the same roster as a year ago, it’s more than fair to wonder what, if anything, these stretch of games means to them.

From Los Angeles Times

Virtually unknown is that Tanton also had an early and lucid understanding that climate change would exacerbate the country’s immigration conundrum, and it ultimately framed his life’s work.

From Salon

Meanwhile, DaMart’s longtime friend Pamela O’Kane, who lives in Thousand Oaks, surveyed the scene in disbelief: Not more than a few hundred feet away, other homes stood virtually unscathed.

From Los Angeles Times

Some fire researchers say taking simple steps to clear yards, roofs and gutters of flammable vegetation and ensuring there is absolutely no opening for embers to get inside — whether a dog door, a vent or an open window — can virtually fireproof a home.

From Los Angeles Times

In a City Council hearing on a bill introduced to ban New York’s broker fee structure, Councilmember Chi Ossé described the fee structure as “an exploitative system that exists virtually nowhere else.”

From Salon

Related Words

• basically
• essentially
• nearly
• practically