Virtuelles

Virtuelles is the feminine plural form of the French adjective virtuel. The term comes from Latin virtualis and historically conveyed the idea of potential rather than actual existence. In contemporary usage, virtuel describes something that may exist in effect, be simulated, or operate in a non-physical form.

In technology and computing, virtuel is common in expressions such as mémoire virtuelle (virtual memory), machines virtuelles (virtual machines), réseaux virtuels (virtual networks), and réalité virtuelle (virtual reality). The plural form virtuelles is used when the noun it modifies is feminine plural, for example réalités virtuelles, technologies virtuelles, monnaies virtuelles. The concept also appears in everyday language to describe software, services, or environments that are not tied to a physical counterpart, such as assistants virtuels (virtual assistants) and expériences virtuelles (virtual experiences).

In philosophy and linguistics, virtuel can denote potentiality or capacity that may be actualized under certain conditions, distinguishing between the virtuel and the réel (the real or actual). In cultural contexts, the term is used to discuss online communities, digital simulations, and media environments that resemble or replace physical counterparts.

Usage notes include recognizing gender and number agreement: virtuel/virtuelle (singular), virtuels/virtuelles (plural). While closely related to the English “virtual,” the French term retains nuance around potentiality, simulation, and non-physical existence, and it functions across science, technology, and everyday discourse.