virtual
In modern conversation, 'virtual' is most commonly used to describe things related to computers and the internet (like virtual reality). In this context, it means something that feels real but isn't physically there. When used in a non-technical way, it means 'almost' or 'nearly.' For example, if someone says a situation is a 'virtual impossibility,' they mean it is so unlikely that it is basically impossible, even if it isn't technically impossible.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon; Jackson is trying to convince Maya to invest in a new project via text.
Jackson
Just pivoted. Now I'm building a virtual real estate empire.
Maya
Get a grip, Jackson. That is literally just fake land.
💡
Jackson uses 'virtual' to describe software-generated assets (digital real estate), while Maya uses the idiom 'get a grip' to tell him to be realistic and stop being delusional about his business ventures.