virtually

Everyday

1. Almost; very nearly but not quite: «virtually empty» means almost completely empty. tree →
2. In a computer or online world rather than in real life: «we met virtually» means we met on a video call or online. tree →
3. (formal) In effect, as good as: «it is virtually impossible» means it can hardly ever happen. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk it softens a big word like «all», «every», «nothing» or «impossible». In science and computing it means «done by computer, not in person»: a virtual tour, virtual lessons, virtual reality. In maths word problems «virtually all» does not give an exact number. Phrases: «virtually impossible», «virtually nothing», «virtually everyone», «meet virtually».

Examples

• The bus was virtually empty after the last stop. tree →
• Virtually everyone in our class has a library card. tree →
• It is virtually impossible to lick your own elbow. tree →
• During the snow days we had lessons virtually, on the laptop. tree →
• The two pictures are virtually the same, but one has a missing button. tree →
• My nan visits us virtually every Sunday by video call. tree →
• There was virtually no rain all summer, so the grass went brown. tree →
• You can now visit the museum virtually from home. tree →

Note

Adverb from «virtual». «Virtually» means almost, NOT exactly: «virtually all the cake» means a tiny bit is left. Do not confuse with «actually» (really, in fact). In maths it gives no number; never treat «virtually all» as «all». Online sense: «virtual» means made by computer.