virtual
In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.
Adjective 4 meanings
In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.
“In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion.”
For practical purposes, though not technically; almost complete, very near.
“The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle.”
Operating using a computer and/or online rather than physically present.
“a virtual assistant a virtual personal trainer”
Simulated in a computer and/or online.
“virtual machine virtual memory virtual private network”
Noun 2 meanings
Preceded by the: that which is imitated or simulated rather than existing in fact or reality; (countable) an instance of this.
A virtual (adjective sense 3.3) member function of a class.
Etymology
PIE word *wiHrós The adjective is derived from Middle English vertual, virtual [and other forms], from Old French vertüal, vertüelle (modern French virtuel), or from their etymon Medieval Latin virtuālis (“of or pertaining to potency or power; having power to produce an effect, potent; morally virtuous”), from Latin virtūs (“goodness, virtue; manliness, virility”) (from vir (“adult male, man”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *wiHrós (“man”), possibly from *weyh₁- (“to chase, hunt, pursue”)) + -tūs (suffix forming collective or abstract nouns)) + -ālis (suffix forming adjectives of relationship), modelled after virtuōsus (“good, virtuous”).
Similar and opposite words
VIRTUAL at a glance
VIRTUAL has 7 letters and scores 10 points in Scrabble (V 4 + I 1 + R 1 + T 1 + U 1 + A 1 + L 1) and 13 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #4,122 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with virtual
All rhymesOne letter away
- VICTUAL12
Keep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.