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

They’ll also need to build a machine based on the entire setup, showing that it works not just in bits and pieces, but practically as a whole.

From Singularity Hub 

Disciplining members is a rare tactic, and practically unheard of for comments made before being elected.

From Vox

Some campus leaders worry that lessons learned from the fall term are not enough to guide their decisions in a fast-moving public health emergency with new revelations emerging practically every day.

From Washington Post

She’s been showing off the new look all over social media, and practically everyone is begging for more selfies.

From Essence.com

This process recovered practically all of the plastic from the original film, the researchers reported last November in Science Advances.

From Science News

In that country at that moment, the Catholics have practically disappeared.

From The Daily Beast

And, thanks to a transparent hull, exploring the deep and spotting rare marine life is practically a cinch.

From The Daily Beast

The Industrial Revolution and Victorian practically erased the holiday in England.

From The Daily Beast

One bite too many, and I could look down and practically see my thighs expanding before my eyes.

From The Daily Beast

Rising up from scooping bay, the steep topography—hemmed by hills of evergreens—promises panoramas at practically every turn.

From The Daily Beast

Where the outside conditions are not very favourable, practically all the British species may be grown with ease under glass.

From Project Gutenberg

And could it not be extended from its present limited range until it reached practically the whole adolescent community?

From Project Gutenberg

The wretched young man persistently exercises his right of crying "Banco," and so practically going double or quits each time.

From Project Gutenberg

There I was, practically tête-à-tête with the man; the noise of the crowd drowned my cries and remonstrances.

From Project Gutenberg

Will it be believed—practically none, not more than twenty in the whole island!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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