What does visually mean?
Visually is an adverb meaning in relation to sight, appearance, or the way something is seen. It is used when discussing design, images, film, language, accessibility, and the visual impression created by an object or arrangement. For example, a product may be described as visually appealing if its appearance is attractive, while a document can be visually organized to make information easier to find. The word can also refer more broadly to perception: two objects may be visually similar even when they differ in other respects. Visually is neutral in tone and suitable for both formal writing and everyday conversation. It is especially useful in discussions of art, media, architecture, technology, and accessibility, including the established phrase “visually impaired.” Although it sounds similar to virtually, visually consistently concerns seeing or appearance, whereas virtually means almost completely or in a virtual environment. Together with the adjective visual and related forms such as vision and visible, it belongs to a productive family associated with sight and appearance.
adverbIn a way that relates to seeing or sight; in terms of visual appearance. It can also describe something perceived or assessed by looking.
- In relation to sight or visual perception.
- In terms of appearance or the impression something makes to the eye.
"The redesigned homepage is visually appealing and makes the main navigation easier to find."
"The two signs are visually similar, but they have very different meanings."
"Candidates who are visually impaired can use the accessible version of the document."
From the Latin visus, meaning “seen,” visually traces a word from the simple act of seeing to the way appearance shapes our judgments.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does visually come from?
The adverb visually was formed in English by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective visual. Visual comes through Latin from visus, meaning “seen” or “sight,” a form related to videre, “to see.” Related English words include vision, visible, and video, all reflecting the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How visually is actually used
Visually is neutral in register and is common in formal, professional, and everyday contexts. In descriptions of design, art, accessibility, and media, it commonly refers to appearance or visual perception. It should not be confused with virtually, which means almost completely or in a simulated environment.
Easily confused with visually
Visually concerns sight or appearance, while virtually means almost completely or in a simulated environment.
Visibly means in a way that can be seen, whereas visually means in relation to sight, appearance, or visual perception more broadly.