virtual

Meaning

Adj

1. (not-comparable) In effect or essence, rather than in fact or reality; also, imitated, simulated.
2. (not-comparable) For practical purposes, though not technically; almost complete, very near.
3. (not-comparable) Operating using a computer and/or online rather than physically present.
4. (not-comparable) Simulated in a computer and/or online.
5. (not-comparable) Of a class member: capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
6. (not-comparable) 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. (not-comparable) 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. (not-comparable) 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.
9. (not-comparable, particle) Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
10. (not-comparable) Of a quantum state: having an intermediate, short-lived, and unobservable nature.
11. (not-comparable, obsolete) Having efficacy or power due to some natural qualities.
12. (also, figuratively, not-comparable, obsolete, specifically) Having efficacy or power due to some natural qualities.
13. (not-comparable, obsolete) Having the power of acting without the agency of some material or measurable thing; possessing invisible efficacy.
14. (not-comparable, obsolete) Producing, or able to produce, some result; effective, efficacious.
15. (not-comparable, obsolete) Synonym of virtuous (“full of virtue; having excellent moral character”).

Noun

1. (uncountable) Preceded by the: that which is imitated or simulated rather than existing in fact or reality; (countable) an instance of this.
2. (uncountable) Preceded by the: that which is imitated or simulated rather than existing in fact or reality; (countable) an instance of this.
3. (countable) A virtual (adjective sense 3.3) member function of a class.

Opposite of

actual, real, true, veritable

Synonyms

actual

real

practical

veritable

factual

potential

veridical

hide

honest-to-god

honest-to-goodness

imagination

implicit

incubation

in fact

in practice

in reality

latency

latent

literal

big

de facto

primary

proper

bona fide

realistic

regular

substantial

substantive

supposition

sure-enough

tangible

true

true to life

effective

essential

Translations

virtuel

virtual

virtual

virtuell

virtuale

virtual

virtueel

εικονικός

πραγματικός

sanal

eigentlich

feitelijk

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈvɜːt͡ʃʊəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: vertual

Cognate with French: virtuel

Cognate with Italian: virtuale

Cognate with Spanish: virtual

In summary

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”).
Sense 4 (“pertaining to a theoretical infinitesimal velocity in a mechanical system that does not violate the system’s constraints”) is borrowed from French virtuel, from Middle French virtuel, from Old French vertüal, vertüelle: see above.
The noun is derived from the adjective.
Cognates
* French virtuel
* Italian virtuale
* Spanish virtual