Virtual/ˈvɜːrtʃuəl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Almost True Use 'virtual' to describe something that's so close to being true that it's almost the same. They've won so many games, they're the virtual champions. Pro Tip 2/3Implied Reality 'Virtual' implies reality but acknowledges some minor differences. She has virtual control of the company, though not legally. Pro Tip 3/3Qualifying Fact Adding 'virtual' to a statement subtly changes a fact to a near-fact. The room was in virtual darkness — only a candle flickered.