virtuality
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Meaning
The state of being virtual, especially in a computing context.
The quality of existing in essence or effect though not in actual fact.
Structure
Usage
The virtuality of the online world allows for entirely new forms of social interaction.
There is a strange virtuality to the experience, as if you are there but not physically present.
The game's success depends on the convincing virtuality of its simulated environment.
Etymology
The word 'virtuality' is a modern formation built upon the much older adjective 'virtual'. 'Virtual' itself originates from the Latin virtus, meaning "manliness, excellence, or potency," a term derived from vir (man). In Medieval Latin, virtualis came to denote something possessing inherent power or efficacy. By the late 14th century, English adopted 'virtual' to describe something that is so in essence or effect, even if not formally recognized. The noun suffix '-ity', indicating a state or quality, was appended to create 'virtuality', a term that gained significant traction in the late 20th century with the rise of computing to describe the state of existing in a simulated, non-physical environment, thus connecting the ancient concept of inherent power to the modern realm of digital simulation.
Analysis
- virtual: From Latin virtus (manliness, excellence, potency), via Medieval Latin virtualis (having power or virtue). In this word, it functions as the adjectival root meaning "in effect, though not in fact." - ity: A suffix of Latin origin (-itas), used to form nouns denoting a state or condition.