substantive

[ suhb-stuhn-tiv ]

noun

, Grammar.

1. a noun.
2. a pronoun or other word or phrase functioning or inflected like a noun.

adjective

1. Grammar.
   1. pertaining to substantives.
   2. used in a sentence like a noun:

      a substantive adjective.

   3. expressing existence:

      “to be” is a substantive verb.

2. having independent existence; independent.
3. belonging to the real nature or essential part of a thing; essential.
4. real or actual.
5. of considerable amount or quantity.
6. possessing substance; having practical importance, value, or effect:

   substantive issues under discussion.

7. Law. pertaining to the rules of right which courts are called on to apply, as distinguished from rules of procedure ( adjective def 3 ).
8. (of dye colors) attaching directly to the material without the aid of a mordant ( adjective def 4 ).

substantive

/ ˌsʌbstənˈtaɪvəl; ˈsʌbstəntɪv /

noun

1. grammar a noun or pronoun used in place of a noun

adjective

1. of, relating to, containing, or being the essential element of a thing
2. having independent function, resources, or existence
3. of substantial quantity
4. solid in foundation or basis
5. grammar denoting, relating to, or standing in place of a noun
6. səbˈstæntɪv relating to the essential legal principles administered by the courts, as opposed to practice and procedure Compare adjective
7. səbˈstæntɪv (of a dye or colour) staining the material directly without use of a mordant

Derived Forms

• ˈsubstantiveness, noun
• ˈsubstantively, adverb
• ˌsubstanˈtivally, adverb
• substantival, adjective

Other Words From

• sub·stan·tive·ly adverb
• sub·stan·tive·ness noun
• non·sub·stan·tive adjective
• non·sub·stan·tive·ness noun
• un·sub·stan·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin substantīvus, equivalent to Latin substant(ia) substance + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantive¹

C15: from Late Latin substantīvus, from Latin substāre to stand beneath; see substance

Example Sentences

The research, published in the journal Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, found that in 70% of the posts deemed to be the most substantive, the writers “accepted or exploited climate change.”

From Salon

Now, on the merits, Ocasio-Cortez is more well known nationally than O’Rourke was, has a more substantive legislative record than he did, would likely find it easier than he did to raise money, and has a more established identity.

From Slate

The new Charter Reform Commission and advocates should press for more substantive changes that ensure the Ethics Commission can be the watchdog that residents expect.

From Los Angeles Times

Marcia Zug, a family law professor at the University of South Carolina, said that these legislative moves are concerning, pointing to the impact of the 2022 Dobbs decision overturning substantive due process granted by Roe v.

From Salon

Wade, the landmark decision establishing substantive due process and a federally protected right to abortion access, be overturned.

From Salon

Related Words

• actual
• essential
• existing
• real