24 OCTOBER 1931, Page 18

POINTS OF STYLE

SIR,—My pocket dictionary gives, under " practically," the synonym " virtually," which means " such in essence, though not nominally." True, you cannot " virtually " miss a train. But you can be " practically deaf." And that means " deaf for all practical purposes."—I am, Sir, &c., ROY RIDGE.

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

24 Harcourt Terrace, S.W. 10.