Definition

1. 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

1. existing in essence or effect though not in actual fact
   • a virtual dependence on charity
   • a virtual revolution
   • virtual reality
2. being actually such in almost every respect
   • a practical failure
   • the once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin