Virtual

/ˈvɜːt͡ʃʊəl/ · adjective

Meaning

In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated..

Definitions by Sense

1. In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.
2. For practical purposes, though not technically; almost complete, very near.
3. Operating using a computer and/or online rather than physically present.
4. Simulated in a computer and/or online.
5. Of a class member: capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
6. (mechanics) Pertaining to a theoretical infinitesimal velocity in a mechanical system that does not violate the system's constraints; also, of other physical quantities: resulting from such a velocity.
7. Pertaining to a theoretical quality of something which would produce an observable effect if counteracting factors such as friction are disregarded; specifically, of a head of water: producing a certain pressure if friction, etc., is disregarded.
8. Chiefly in virtual focus: of a focus or point: from which light or other radiation apparently emanates; also, of an image: produced by light that appears to diverge from a point beyond the reflecting or refracting surface.

Example Sentences

In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion.

Virtual addressing allows computer applications to believe that there is much more physical memory than actually exists.

[W]e affirm, that Christ is really taken by faith, by the Spirit, to all real effects of his passion; they say, he is taken by the mouth, and that the spiritual and the virtual taking him, in virtue or effect, is not sufficient, though done also in the sacrament.

And the true art for such popular display is to contrive the best forms for appearing to say something new, when in reality you are but echoing yourself; to break up massy chords into running variations; and to mask, by slight differences in the manner, a virtual identity in the substance.

VIRTUAL is opposed to actual.— […] A thing has a virtual existence when it has all the conditions necessary to its actual existence. The statue exists virtually in the brass or iron, the oak in the acorn.

The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle.

But it vvas plain, that the general reaſonings vvhich vvere employed againſt that povver, vvent directly to our vvhole legiſlative right; and one part of it could not be yielded to ſuch arguments, vvithout a virtual ſurrender of all the reſt.

The Chelsea captain [John Terry] was a virtual spectator as he was treated to his side's biggest win for almost two years as Stamford Bridge serenaded him with chants of "there's only one England captain," some 48 hours after he announced his retirement from international football.

Synonyms for virtual

Antonyms for virtual

Related Words

Word Forms

• vertual
• virtuall
• vertuall
• virtuals

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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