virtual
/'və:tjuəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Existing in essence or effect though not in actual fact: Describes something that is so nearly true or identical to a specific thing that it can be regarded as such for most practical purposes, even if not formally or physically so.
- Relating to or carried out by means of a computer or network: Describes something that is simulated, replicated, or taking place within a digital environment.
Usage Examples
- Existing in essence or effect:
- The company has a virtual monopoly in this market. (For all practical purposes, the company has a monopoly.)
- His silence was a virtual admission of guilt. (His silence functioned as, or had the effect of, an admission.)
- Relating to digital simulation:
- They held a virtual meeting using video conferencing software. (The meeting took place online, not in a physical location.)
- The game offers a rich virtual world for players to explore. (A simulated, computer-generated world.)
Advanced Usage
- "Virtual reality": A simulated, computer-generated environment that a person can interact with using special electronic equipment.
- He uses a headset to experience virtual reality games.
- "Virtual assistant": A software agent that can perform tasks or services for an individual, often using voice commands.
- I asked my virtual assistant to schedule an appointment.
Variants and Related Words
- Virtually (adverb): Nearly, almost completely; or, by means of digital technology.
- The project is virtually complete. (It is almost finished.)
- We are connected virtually every day. (We are connected via digital means.)
- Virtualization (noun): The process of creating a virtual (rather than physical) version of something, such as a server or operating system.
Synonyms
- Effective: Successful in producing a desired or intended result.
- Practical: Concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than theory.
- Digital: Relating to or using computer technology.
Related Phrases
- Virtual tour: A simulation of an existing location, often composed of a sequence of videos or still images, used for viewing online.
- We took a virtual tour of the museum's new exhibit.
- Virtual memory: A memory management capability that uses hardware and software to allow a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages.
- In all but name: An idiom similar to the "in essence" meaning of virtual.
- He is the manager in all but name. (He is the virtual manager.)
Adjective
- existing in essence or effect though not in actual fact
- a virtual dependence on charity
- a virtual revolution
- virtual reality
- being actually such in almost every respect
- a practical failure
- the once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin