/prak"tik lee/ , adv.
1. in effect; virtually: It is practically useless to protest.
2. in a practical manner: to think practically.
3. from a practical point of view: Practically speaking, the plan is not very promising.
4. almost; nearly: Their provisions were practically gone.
[ 1615-25; PRACTICAL + -LY ]
Usage . A few usage guides object to the use of PRACTICALLY in the senses "in effect, virtually" and "almost, nearly." Both uses, however, are well established and standard in all varieties of speech and writing.