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 ).

8. (of dye colors) attaching directly to the material without the aid of a mordant (adjective ).

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. relating to the essential legal principles administered by the courts, as opposed to practice and procedure Compare adjective

7. (of a dye or colour) staining the material directly without use of a mordant

Other Word Forms

• substantively adverb
• substantiveness noun
• nonsubstantive adjective
• nonsubstantiveness noun
• unsubstantive adjective
• substantivally adverb
• substantival 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

Instead, congressional pushback − sometimes as extreme as impeachment − can thus be written off not as principled or substantive but as partisan or politically motivated to a greater extent than ever before.

Read more on Salon

Certain disagreements within the movement are substantive, Frank conceded in an interview.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

We’re flattered by the attention, but the spin doctors cried fake news rather than address the substantive arguments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Leaders of the 11-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, meeting in Malaysia, voiced "deep concern" over the conflict and warned of "a lack of substantive progress" towards peace, in a statement released late Sunday.

Read more on Barron's

He said that ministers had been "forced" into holding the inquiry in June adding: "Perhaps that is why, months later, the government has said nothing substantive publicly."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• actual 
• essential 
• existing 
• real