What does virtual mean?
Virtual is chiefly an adjective describing something that exists through representation, simulation, or effect rather than as a physical reality. Its best-known use is in digital contexts such as virtual reality, virtual machines, and virtual environments, where it distinguishes a represented or simulated experience from a physical one. The word can also mean existing in principle or effect without being formally or actually present, as in a virtual monopoly or virtual certainty. In these uses, virtual does not necessarily imply that something is false or unreal; it may instead indicate that the thing functions as though its real counterpart exists. The adjective is neutral in tone and equally established in British and American English, although it remains especially associated with computing. Virtual can also appear as an uncommon noun for an electronic representation of a person, place, or thing. Its history is unexpectedly broad: it derives from a Latin word associated with virtue and effectiveness before acquiring its modern associations with simulation and mediated experience.
Existing in a simulated or representational form rather than as a physical thing; also, existing in effect or in principle but not in actual fact.
"Visitors explored a virtual reconstruction of the ancient marketplace."
The sense involving simulation is most common today. The broader sense of effective or nearly complete function is especially frequent in legal, economic, and institutional contexts.
An electronic representation of a person, place, or thing, especially one that a user can interact with in a simulated environment.
"The exhibition lets visitors enter a virtual of the ancient marketplace."
Uncommon and generally technical; it usually denotes a digital representation or an entity within a virtual environment.
Rare and usually technical; virtuals refers to distinct digital representations or entities.
"The museum offers virtuals of several historic sites for online exploration."
Virtual descends from Latin for "by virtue of"; over time it drifted from being about real effectiveness to describing things that exist only in effect—or on a screen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does virtual come from?
Virtual entered English in the early 17th century from Late Latin virtualis, associated with the sense "by virtue of" or "effective." It ultimately derives from Latin virtus, meaning "virtue, courage, or excellence," and initially expressed effective or potential force. Its sense later extended to something existing in principle or effect but not in fact, while modern computing usage developed the familiar concept of simulated environments and virtual machines.
Related word forms
How virtual is actually used
The adjective is neutral in register and common in technical, academic, and everyday contexts. In formal writing, virtual should not be used indiscriminately as a synonym for almost: virtually means almost or for practical purposes, whereas virtual emphasizes something existing in principle or effect rather than in actual fact. The noun is uncommon and usually denotes a digital representation or entity.