1. Past tense of 'to be' combined with the adverb 'virtually', indicating that something was almost true or nearly the case, though not completely or officially
The project was virtually complete before the deadline.
O projeto era praticamente completo antes do prazo.
2. Expressing that something was true in essence or in effect, even if not formally or technically
He was virtually unknown before the movie.
Ele era praticamente desconhecido antes do filme.