virtually

/ˈvɜːtʃuəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈvɜːrtʃuəli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈvər-chə-wə-lē -chə-lē; ˈvərch-wə-lē/ (ame, mw)

virtually — adverb

1. to an extent that is almost total or complete, so that something can be treated

1.副詞B2
釋義

to an extent that is almost total or complete, so that something can be treated as such for practical purposes

例句

The project is virtually complete, with only a few small tasks left.

virtually + adjective (complete)

Imran virtually lived at the library during exam season.

virtually + verb (lived) for near-total behaviour

同義詞
  • almost

    more common in everyday speech; slightly more direct than virtually

  • nearly

    best for measurable quantities (nearly finished, nearly full); more neutral

  • practically

    more informal; emphasises the practical effect rather than numerical closeness

  • essentially

    focuses on the core quality; 'He is essentially the boss' means he functions as the boss

反義詞
  • completely

    no gap between what is stated and reality; opposite of the 'almost but not quite' meaning

  • entirely

    signals a full, unqualified state; 'entirely new' means new in every way

文法句型

virtually + adjective

virtually + verb

用法筆記

Commonly modifies adjectives (impossible, identical, unknown) and verbs (disappear, complete). It softens absolute statements — 'virtually impossible' leaves a small opening that 'impossible' does not. Avoid using for physical measurements ('virtually full of water'); use 'nearly' or 'almost' instead.

常見錯誤

❌The glass is virtually full of water.
✅The glass is nearly full of water.
💡'virtually' is used for abstract closeness or completeness, not for measuring physical contents by sight.
❌I am virtually certain that he will come.
✅I am almost certain that he will come.
💡'certain' already expresses firm belief; 'virtually certain' is acceptable in formal writing but 'almost certain' sounds more natural in conversation.

2. describes actions or events that take place through computers and internet conne

2.副詞B1
釋義

describes actions or events that take place through computers and internet connections, replacing the need for people to be in the same physical location

例句

Many students now attend classes virtually from their own homes.

virtually + attend — common pattern for remote learning

The team held the meeting virtually using a video call service.

passive pattern: held virtually

同義詞
  • online

    broader term; simply means via the internet, without the 'replacing a physical experience' nuance

  • remotely

    focuses on distance rather than technology; 'work remotely' can mean from any location

  • digitally

    emphasises the use of digital technology rather than physical presence

反義詞
  • in person

    face-to-face, with physical presence; opposite of doing something through a screen

  • physically

    involving real bodies or objects in a real space

文法句型

virtually + verb (activity)

be + virtually + past participle

用法筆記

Unlike 'online', which simply means connected to the internet, 'virtually' in this sense emphasises the replacement of a physical experience with a digital one. Common with verbs like attend, meet, visit, tour, hold, work, participate, and conduct. Often contrasts with 'in person' in the same sentence.

常見錯誤

❌I am virtually tired' (meaning 'I feel tired in a simulated way').
✅I feel tired.
💡'virtually' in this sense does not describe personal feelings; it describes how activities or events are carried out.
❌We met virtually on the street.
✅We met virtually on a video call.
💡'virtually' needs a digital context; do not pair it with physical locations.