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Virtually vs Absolutely - What's the difference?

virtually | absolutely |

As adverbs the difference between virtually and absolutely

is that virtually is almost but not quite while absolutely is in an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly .

As an interjection absolutely is

yes; certainly; expression indicating strong agreement .

virtually

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • Almost but not quite.
  • *
  • *{{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-06, volume=408, issue=8843, page=68, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= The rise of smart beta , passage=Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return.}}
  • Without exaggeration.
  • In essence, but not in fact.
  • (algebra) Of a substructure of finite index.
  • (topology) Of a covering space of finite index.
  • absolutely

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly.
  • Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors.
  • (grammar) In a manner that does not take an object.
  • Usage notes

    * Absolutely'' is not to be confused with intensives such as ''very'' or ''indeed , as it is an unconditional term.

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • Yes; certainly; expression indicating strong agreement.
  • Usage notes

    * Some commentators, especially in England, criticise the interjectional use as having no useful meaning beyond that of yes;, page 3 however, this assumes that emphasis is useless, which, pragmatically speaking, it isn’t.

    References

    See also

    * absitively posolutely English degree adverbs