---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But they are practically brother and…"
description: "\"“But they are practically brother and sister,\" ejaculated Marina, thinking as many stupid people do that \"practically\" works both ways - reducing the t..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e40/vladimir-nabokov-198_brother-and-sister_but-they-are-practically-brother-and-sis_3023059.jpg"
---

#  But they are practically brother and sister," ejaculated…

![“But they are practically brother and sister," ejaculated Marina, thinking as many stupid people do that "practically" works both ways - reducing the truth of a statement and making a truism sound like the truth.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e40/vladimir-nabokov-198_brother-and-sister_but-they-are-practically-brother-and-sis_3023059.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e40/vladimir-nabokov-198_brother-and-sister_but-they-are-practically-brother-and-sis_3023059.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e40/vladimir-nabokov-198_brother-and-sister_but-they-are-practically-brother-and-sis_3023059.jpg)

> ““But they are practically brother and sister," ejaculated Marina, thinking as many stupid people do that "practically" works both ways - reducing the truth of a statement and making a truism sound like the truth.””

[Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-nabokov/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The word “practically” can be misused to blur truth, turning statements into false truisms.

**In simple terms:** Misusing “practically” distorts truth.

Key Takeaway

Use precise language to avoid ambiguity.

Themes

language truth logic

Mood

critical analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- debate
- writing
- critical thinking

Key Concepts

philosophy semantics

Questions to Reflect On

- When have you seen “practically” misused?
- How can you ensure clarity in arguments?

A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on vague terms can erode credibility.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Brother and sister](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brother-and-sister/) [Sister](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sister/) [Stupid people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stupid-people/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/)

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## More by Vladimir Nabokov

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