virtual
Relating to something that is created by computer software and appears to exist in the physical world, or something that is almost exactly the same as a particular thing in effect, though not in official name.
Examples
3 of 5I took a virtual tour of the Louvre museum while sitting on my couch.
I used a computer simulation to visit the Louvre gallery from my sofa.
The government has implemented a virtual border to monitor trade more efficiently.
The authorities established a digital system for tracking commerce instead of a physical wall.
He is a virtual unknown in the tech industry despite his talent.
He is practically a stranger to the technology world even though he is very gifted.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'V' in Virtual as standing for 'Video' or 'Visual'—it is something you see on a screen, but you cannot touch.
Quick Quiz
The team held a ______ meeting to discuss the new project since they were all working from different countries.
Correct!
The correct answer is: virtual
Examples
I took a virtual tour of the Louvre museum while sitting on my couch.
everydayI used a computer simulation to visit the Louvre gallery from my sofa.
The government has implemented a virtual border to monitor trade more efficiently.
formalThe authorities established a digital system for tracking commerce instead of a physical wall.
He is a virtual unknown in the tech industry despite his talent.
informalHe is practically a stranger to the technology world even though he is very gifted.
Researchers utilized virtual environments to observe participant behavior in controlled scenarios.
academicScientists used digital simulations to study how people act in specific, created situations.
Our company transitioned to a virtual workspace to reduce rental costs and increase flexibility.
businessOur firm started using online collaboration tools instead of a physical office to save money.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
virtual reality
a computer simulation of a real or imaginary world
a virtual impossibility
something that is nearly impossible to achieve
virtual office
a business location that exists only in cyberspace
Often Confused With
Virtuous relates to high moral standards or being a good person, while virtual relates to digital simulations.
Virtually is an adverb usually meaning 'almost,' whereas virtual is an adjective describing the nature of an object.
Usage Notes
Use 'virtual' when describing things that happen online (like meetings or tours) or to emphasize that a situation is effectively true even if not strictly defined that way.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'virtual' with 'virtuous.' Additionally, they sometimes use 'virtual' when they mean 'virtually' (the adverb) to modify a verb.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'V' in Virtual as standing for 'Video' or 'Visual'—it is something you see on a screen, but you cannot touch.
Word Origin
Originates from the Medieval Latin 'virtualis,' which meant having the power or effect of something, even if the thing itself wasn't present.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the post-2020 era, 'virtual' has become a standard term in global culture to describe remote work and digital social interactions.
Quick Quiz
The team held a ______ meeting to discuss the new project since they were all working from different countries.
Correct!
The correct answer is: virtual
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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