Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
for-all-practical-purposes-to-all-intents-and-purposes
idiomatic expression
/fɔr ɔl ˈpræktɪkəl ˈpɜr pəsɪz tə ɔl ɪˈtɛnts ənd ˈpɜr pəsɪz/
Definition
A phrase used to indicate that something is effectively or virtually true, even if it isn’t literally or technically true.
Examples
- For all practical purposes, the old factory has been closed down.
- Though he didn’t officially resign, for all intents and purposes, he’s no longer part of the team.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that while a statement may not hold in every single situation, it is applicable in most practical contexts or for most intents.
Synonyms
- virtually
- effectively
- in effect
- practically
