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practically

[ prak-tik-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

in effect; virtually:
It is practically useless to protest.
in a practical manner:
to think practically.
from a practical point of view:
Practically speaking, the plan is not very promising.
almost; nearly:
Their provisions were practically gone.

practically

/ -klɪ; ˈpræktɪkəlɪ /

adverb

virtually; almost
it has rained practically every day
in actuality rather than in theory
what can we do practically to help?

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Usage Note

A few usage guides object to the use of practically in the senses “in effect, virtually” and “almost, nearly.” Both uses, however, are well established and standard in all varieties of speech and writing.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of practically¹

First recorded in 1615–25; practical + -ly

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This is a perfect meal for warm, sunny spring days — and it all comes together in practically no time at all.

From

Luna was raised in Austin, Texas, and if you’ve ever been, smoked meats are practically a food group there.

From

One of his early experiments was ambrosia — a salad so retro it borders on parody, but so striking in his hands it practically glows.

From

Sam Donaldson, the ABC reporter who practically wrote the book on covering presidents, feels much the same way.

From

The first guy who started doing this practically was the British management consultant Stafford Beer.

From

Related Words

practical joke practical nurse

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