| 词组 | practically |
| 释义 | practically Practically has a second sense meaning "almost, nearly, virtually" that Bierce 1909 decided was a misuse (even though it had been in the language since 1748). Jensen 1935 raised the same objection. More recently Copperud 1964, 1970, 1980, Shaw 1975, 1987, Janis 1984, Evans 1957, and Gowers in Fowler 1965 have agreed. So perhaps has the usage panel of Heritage 1969. We say "perhaps" because the panelists found one sentence illustrating the use acceptable, 51-49 percent, but found another sentence illustrating the same meaning unacceptable, 46-54 percent. Now what is wrong with this sense? We are never given a clear explanation by any of these commentators; they simply see it as "loose" in relation to the original sense. The plain fact is, however, that a sense of a word that has been in everyday use for more than two centuries and comes naturally from the pens of reputable writers is entirely standard. Some examples follow: • Under favorable conditions, practically everybody can be converted to practically anything —Aldous Huxley, Brave New World Revisited, 1958 • Who's wearing pants? Practically everybody —Amy Vanderbilt, Ladies' Home Jour., January 1971 • ... until Elizabeth's proclamation ... in 1599 practically killed historical painting in England —Times Literary Supp., 18 Dec. 1969 • ... attracted practically no attention —John Fischer, Harper's, March 1971 |
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