What is the meaning of "virtually" in a general context?

The term "virtually" in a general context means "essentially or for the most part." It is often used to indicate that something is almost, but not completely, the case. For example, when someone says, "The project is virtually complete," it implies that the project is nearly finished, with perhaps only a few minor details left to address. This usage conveys a sense of approximation or near-totality without asserting that it is completely done.

The other meanings do not align with the common usage of "virtually." The idea of something being "not applicable at all" or "rarely and infrequently" does not capture the essence of "virtually," which hinges on the idea of being close to a state rather than indicating absence or infrequency. Similarly, describing something as "completely and entirely" contradicts the nuanced implication of approximation that "virtually" conveys.