substitutive

[ suhb-sti-too-tiv, -tyoo- ]

adjective

1. serving as or capable of serving as a substitute.
2. pertaining to or involving substitution.

Other Words From

• substi·tutive·ly adverb
• non·substi·tutive adjective
• un·substi·tutive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of substitutive¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; substitute + -ive

Example Sentences

The substitutive measures here again are the only wise and effective ones.

From Project Gutenberg

Mathematical symbols146 have, then, become substitutive signs.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Substitutive

What does substitutive mean?

Substitutive is an adjective that describes a thing capable of taking the place of or that has taken the place of another.

It can also be used to describe anything that involves such a substitution.

Substitutive is an adjective form of the word substitute, which can be used as both a verb (to replace something with another thing) or as a noun (something that replaces something else).

The similar adjective substitutable can mean capable of being used as a substitute, but it probably more often means capable of being replaced. The adjective substituent can mean the same thing as substituted or substitutable.

Example: These safety measures are not meant to be substitutive—they’re being implemented in addition to the current plan.

Where does substitutive come from?

The first records of the word substitutive come from right around 1600. Its base word, substitute, ultimately comes from the Latin substitūtus, from the verb substituere, meaning “to put in place of.”

Substitutive can be used in a variety of contexts, but it’s not nearly as commonly used as the words substitute or substitution. When it is used, it’s often contrasted with things that are being added or taken away, as opposed to being replaced (substituted). Sometimes, substitutive is used to describe a thing that is already acting as a substitute. Other times, it’s meant to indicate that something is capable of acting as a substitute—not necessarily that it will be used as one.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to substitutive?

• substitute (verb)
• substitutively (adverb)
• nonsubstitutive (adjective)
• unsubstitutive (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with substitutive? 

• substitution
• substituent
• constituent
• constitute

What are some words that often get used in discussing substitutive?

• replace
• replacement
• fill-in
• alternate
• alternative
• temporary
• stand-in

How is substitutive used in real life?

Substitutive can be used in many different contexts, but it’s fairly uncommon.

But I think the actual facts in evidence show that this is an entirely benign adjunct to libraries, delivered in timely fashion to a world of people who rely on books (including writers!) in times of crisis. It is not substitutive, it's not cannibalistic.

17/

— Cory Doctorow #BLM (@doctorow) April 9, 2020

And the late-replying agency found a bunch of documents (including briefings to ministers and correspondence from MNCs), but instead of releasing them decided to instead provide "summaries" in order to "provide context". Context is complementary not substitutive. #FixTheOIA

— Matt Nippert (@MattNippert) January 16, 2020

This is such a specious argument. You can have all the debates covering all the issues and then have an *additional* debate on the climate crisis. It can be additive, not substitutive. https://t.co/u3bTvl2kxm

— Leighton Woodhouse (@lwoodhouse) June 6, 2019

 

 

Try using substitutive!

Which of the following terms is substitutive LEAST likely to be used in reference to?

A. fill-in
B. stand-in
C. alternate
D. original