in essence or effect but not in fact Example - I'm virtually broke
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but Examples - the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded - we're almost finished - the car all but ran her down - he nearly fainted - talked for nigh onto 2 hours - the recording is well-nigh perfect - virtually all the parties signed the contract - I was near exhausted by the run - most everyone agrees