Definitions
- Referring to a small difference or distance between two things. - Talking about an almost complete or finished action. - Describing a close approximation or estimate of a quantity or number.
- Referring to something that is almost true or real, but not quite. - Talking about something that exists in essence or effect, but not in actual fact. - Describing something that is done or accomplished by means of a computer or the internet.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to something that is almost true or complete.
- 2Both words are used to describe a close approximation or estimate.
- 3Both words can be used as adverbs to modify verbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Nearly is more commonly used in everyday language, while virtually is more formal and technical.
- 2Meaning: Nearly refers to a small difference or distance, while virtually refers to something that is almost true or real, but not quite.
- 3Connotation: Nearly has a neutral or positive connotation, while virtually can have a negative connotation when used to describe something that is not completely true or real.
- 4Scope: Nearly is often used to describe physical or tangible things, while virtually is often used to describe abstract or intangible things.
- 5Usage with prepositions: Nearly is often used with prepositions such as 'to' or 'at', while virtually is often used with prepositions such as 'on' or 'through'.
Remember this!
Nearly and virtually are synonyms that both describe something that is almost true or complete. However, nearly is more commonly used in everyday language and refers to a small difference or distance, while virtually is more formal and technical and refers to something that is almost true or real, but not quite.
