Virtual

/ˈvɜːrtʃuəl/ adjective

Definition

Virtual describes something that exists in digital form or in effect, but not physically in the real world.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin “virtualis,” meaning “having virtue or power,” from Latin “virtus,” meaning “strength, power, or virtue.” It originally meant “effective in essence,” and only recently came to refer to computer-based realities.

Kelly Says

When you’re in a virtual meeting, nothing in the room has changed—but your brain treats those faces on the screen as if they’re really there. Virtual worlds work because your senses can be tricked into responding almost the same way as in real life.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.