Langimage
English

virtually

|vir-tu-al-ly|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈvɜːrtʃuəli/

🇬🇧

/ˈvɜːtʃuəli/

(virtual)

almost

Base FormAdverb
virtualvirtually
Etymology
Etymology Information

'virtually' originates from the Latin word 'virtus,' meaning 'excellence' or 'power.'

Historical Evolution

'Virtus' transformed into the Old French word 'virtuel,' and eventually became the modern English word 'virtual.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'having virtue or power,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'almost or nearly.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

almost entirely; nearly.

The stadium was virtually empty after the game.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 2

in effect, though not in fact.

He was virtually the leader of the group.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35