virtually
gb/vˈɚt͡ʃuli/ us/vˈɚt͡ʃuli/
B1
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
Almost, but not entirely
Used to say something is almost true or almost happens, but not 100%.
Usage pattern:
virtually [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'virtually' with 'physically', thinking it means 'in real life' rather than 'almost'.
Synonyms
almost (Very close in meaning; 'almost' is more common in everyday speech.)
|
nearly (Similar meaning, often interchangeable, slightly more informal in tone.)
Antonyms
completely (Indicates totality, the opposite of 'almost'.)
Collocations
virtually impossible
|virtually identical
|virtually no
|virtually unchanged
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The project is virtually complete, just a few details left.
- It’s virtually impossible to park here during rush hour.
- The two reports are virtually identical in content.
- The town was virtually deserted after the storm.
- She has virtually no experience in this field.
Learner examples
- The house is virtually new.
- It is virtually empty inside.
- These two shirts are virtually the same.
- He has virtually no money.
- The work is virtually done.
adverb
B1
property
2
Through a computer or online environment
Using a computer or the internet instead of being in a real place.
Usage pattern:
virtually [verb/action]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'almost', so context is important to determine the meaning.
Synonyms
remotely (Often used for work or meetings done from a distance via technology.)
Antonyms
physically (Being present in a real location rather than online or simulated.)
Collocations
meet virtually
|learn virtually
|work virtually
Themes
technology
|internet
|communication
Examples
- We’ve been meeting virtually since the pandemic began.
- Students can now attend classes virtually from anywhere.
- The concert was streamed virtually to thousands of fans.
- Many companies allow employees to work virtually full-time.
- They toured the museum virtually using a VR headset.
Learner examples
- I talk to my friends virtually every day.
- We have class virtually this week.
- She works virtually from home.
- They met virtually for the first time.
- We can see the art virtually.
Grammar
Dictionary form
virtually
IPA
GB/vˈɚt͡ʃuli/
US/vˈɚt͡ʃuli/
Syllables & stress
vir - tu - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (vir)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: virtually
- Plural: virtuallies
Word family
Forms
virtuallies
noun
Core family
virtual
adjective B1
Advanced or less common
virtualize
verb C1
virtualization
noun
Expressions
learn virtually
1/lˈɚn vˈɚt͡ʃuli/
fixed phrase
Study through the internet
To study or take classes using the internet instead of going to school in person.
Examples
- Students can learn virtually from anywhere in the world.
- During the lockdown, all lessons were learned virtually.
meet virtually
1/mˈit vˈɚt͡ʃuli/
fixed phrase
Have a meeting online
To have a meeting using the internet instead of face-to-face.
Examples
- We meet virtually every Monday via video call.
- The committee decided to meet virtually due to travel restrictions.
work virtually
1/wˈɚk vˈɚt͡ʃuli/
fixed phrase
Do your job online/remotely
To do your job using a computer and the internet instead of going to an office.
Examples
- Many employees now work virtually from home.
- She works virtually three days a week and goes to the office twice.