practically

Everyday

1. Almost, nearly: «The jar is practically empty.» tree →
2. In a sensible, useful, real-life way: «Think practically about what to pack.» tree →
3. In practice, as things really are, not in theory. tree →

In the lessons

Very common in everyday talk to mean «almost»: «I practically fell asleep.» In school it can also mean doing something with your hands rather than on paper: «a practically minded child». Phrases: «practically nothing», «practically everyone», «practically speaking».

Examples

• The bus was practically empty. tree →
• I've practically finished my homework. tree →
• Practically everyone in the class has a pet. tree →
• Practically speaking, we can't fit ten people in the car. tree →
• She is very practically minded and can fix anything. tree →
• It cost practically nothing at the car-boot sale. tree →
• We were practically running to get to school on time. tree →
• It is practically impossible to use the long tabulations for comparative purposes without some such shorthand. tree →

Note

Adverb of «practical». The «almost» sense is informal but very common. Spelling: practic-al-ly, with «-ally». Do not confuse with «practice» (noun in UK; verb is «practise» in UK). In maths, «practically» is not exact: «practically 100» is not 100.

In Jewish tradition

Very common in everyday talk to mean «almost»: «I practically fell asleep.» In school it can also mean doing something with your hands rather than on paper: «a practically minded child». Phrases: «practically nothing», «practically everyone», «practically speaking».

Note

Adverb of «practical». The «almost» sense is informal but very common. Spelling: practic-al-ly, with «-ally». Do not confuse with «practice» (noun in UK; verb is «practise» in UK). In maths, «practically» is not exact: «practically 100» is not 100.