# practically

**Pronunciation:** /ˈpræktɪkli/ · PRAK-tih-klee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning 1: General Use

In a way that is almost completely the case, though not entirely.

## Examples

- The job is practically impossible for one person to do.
- He was practically a stranger to me, even though we had met once.
- The old house was practically falling down.

## Meaning 2: Action

In a way that relates to practice or action, rather than theory.

## Examples

- The plan sounds good, but is it practically feasible?
- We need to think about how to apply this theory practically.
- The course is designed to be practically oriented.

## Synonyms

- almost — Very close to the stated condition.
- virtually — Almost entirely, in effect.
- nearly — Close to, but not quite.
- effectively — In essence or fact, though perhaps not officially.

## Antonyms

- barely — Only just; almost not.
- certainly — Without doubt; definitely.

## Common patterns

- practically impossible — Extremely difficult or unlikely to happen. — Climbing that mountain without equipment is practically impossible.
- practically speaking — Considering the real situation and practical matters. — Practically speaking, we can't afford to buy a new car right now.
- practically all — Almost everyone or everything. — Practically all the students passed the exam.

## Collocations

- practically impossible — It's practically impossible to finish this project by tomorrow.
- practically perfect — Her performance was practically perfect.
- practically speaking — Practically speaking, we don't have enough resources for that.

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