What is virtually? Pronunciation and usage in English

virtually means . Learn how to pronounce and use virtually through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of virtually

virtuallyadverb

/ˈvəːtʃʊəli/
Definition & pronunciation of virtually

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "virtually" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown, focusing on the key sounds:

1. The Core Sound: "virt" (like "vert")

  • "v": Pronounced as a standard "v" sound – like in "van".
  • "ur": This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "vert" – a short, sharp "er" sound, similar to the "er" in "bird" or "hurt." Think of a quick, clipped "er."

2. The Final "-ually"

  • "-ual": This is pronounced like "oo-al" – similar to "cool" but with a "oo" sound.
  • "-ly": This is pronounced like "lee."

Putting it all together:

It sounds something like: "vur-CHOO-lee"

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the individual sounds:

  • v - /v/ (as in "van")
  • ur - /ɜːr/ (a short, quick “er” sound)
  • ti - /tɪ/ (as in “tin”)
  • ally - /əˈli/ (the "ally" part is stressed and slightly elongated)

Resources for Hearing it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "vert" sound: Really try to get that short, clipped "er" sound.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "ti": It's a quick syllable.
  • Listen repeatedly: The more you hear it, the more natural it will become.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences where "virtually" is used?

Usage and examples with the word virtually in English

Let's break down how to use the word "virtually" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that often gets misused! Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Core Meaning: Almost Completely

At its heart, "virtually" means "almost completely" or "practically." It emphasizes a very close resemblance to something else, but not a perfect match.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Describing Similarity: This is the most common use.

    • "The library is virtually empty." (Almost no people are there)
    • "He's virtually recovered from his illness." (He's almost fully healed)
    • "The two companies are virtually identical." (They are very similar)

  • Describing Nearness or Location:

    • "The town is virtually in the middle of nowhere." (It's very remote)
    • "The train is virtually at the station." (It’s extremely close to the station)

  • Expressing Approximation (Especially with Percentages or Numbers):

    • "I’ve virtually finished the report." (I've completed almost all of it.)
    • "The project is virtually complete." (It's nearly finished.)
    • "The price has risen virtually tenfold." (The price has increased by almost ten times.)

3. Important Distinction: “Virtually” vs. “Nearly”

This is where a lot of confusion arises. While "virtually" and "nearly" are often interchangeable, there are subtle differences:

  • "Nearly" simply means "almost." It's a slightly weaker indication of proximity.

    • Example: "The project is nearly complete." (It's close to being finished, but there might be a few minor things left.)

  • "Virtually" implies a stronger and more complete approximation. It suggests that something resembles the other thing very closely.

    • Example: "The project is virtually complete." (It’s extremely close to being finished - almost all done.)

4. Using “Virtually” with "As":

A common and useful construction is "virtually as." This emphasizes similarity.

  • "The new system is virtually as efficient as the old one." (It's practically the same level of efficiency.)
  • "The two products are virtually as reliable." (They are very similar in their reliability.)

5. Less Common, More Formal Uses:

  • In legal or technical contexts: "Virtually" can be used to indicate a state that is essentially true, even if it’s not perfectly so.

6. Things to Avoid:

  • Don't overuse it! "Virtually" can sound a bit formal or overly emphatic if used too frequently.
  • Don’t use it when it’s completely accurate. If something is 100%, don't say it’s “virtually 100%.”

Resources for More Examples:

To help me tailor my response further, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "virtually" in? (e.g., writing a report, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word virtually

Practice with vocabulary virtually

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Thanks to advanced AI algorithms, the system can now detect fraudulent transactions _____ in real-time.
  2. After reviewing the budget, it became clear that the marketing campaign would need to be scaled back _____ immediately.
  3. The new regulations aim to _____ eliminate any potential for conflicts of interest within the department.
  4. Our research indicates that the new antiviral drug is _____ effective in preventing the spread of the virus.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Modern communication tools allow us to collaborate with colleagues _____ across different time zones. a) physically b) virtually c) literally d) tangibly
  2. The product launch was _____ ready for public announcement, awaiting only final legal approval. a) entirely b) completely c) practically d) virtually
  3. Despite initial setbacks, the development team managed to deliver the project on schedule, which was _____ impossible given the tight deadlines. a) nearly b) absolutely c) theoretically d) virtually
  4. The new protocol mandates that all sensitive data must be encrypted to ensure its _____ integrity. a) inherent b) fundamental c) absolute d) virtually
  5. After the intense negotiation session, the CEO was _____ relieved when the deal was finally closed. a) utterly b) partially c) immensely d) virtually

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The extensive use of online learning platforms has made traditional classroom attendance almost entirely unnecessary for some courses. Rewrite the sentence to include "virtually" or a related word form.
  2. Our company decided to move all its operations to a remote setup, meaning employees now work through digital means from home. Rewrite the sentence to include "virtually" or a related word form.
  3. The project manager declared that the team's initial estimates for the budget were practically the same as the final figures. Rewrite the sentence, replacing "practically the same as" with a suitable alternative word or phrase (do not use "virtually").

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Thanks to advanced AI algorithms, the system can now detect fraudulent transactions virtually in real-time.
  2. After reviewing the budget, it became clear that the marketing campaign would need to be scaled back practically immediately.
  3. The new regulations aim to effectively eliminate any potential for conflicts of interest within the department.
  4. Our research indicates that the new antiviral drug is virtually effective in preventing the spread of the virus.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) virtually
  2. c) practically, d) virtually
  3. a) nearly, d) virtually
  4. a) inherent, b) fundamental, c) absolute
  5. a) utterly, c) immensely

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The extensive use of online learning platforms has made traditional classroom attendance virtually unnecessary for some courses.
  2. Our company decided to move all its operations to a virtual setup, meaning employees now work through digital means from home.
  3. The project manager declared that the team's initial estimates for the budget were essentially identical to the final figures.

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