substantial

[ suhb-stan-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of ample or considerable amount, quantity, size, etc.:

   a substantial sum of money.

2. of a corporeal or material nature; tangible; real.

   Antonyms: ethereal, immaterial

3. of solid character or quality; firm, stout, or strong:

   a substantial physique.

   Synonyms: sturdy, stable

4. basic or essential; fundamental:

   two stories in substantial agreement.

5. wealthy or influential:

   one of the substantial men of the town.

6. of real worth, value, or effect:

   substantial reasons.

   Synonyms: weighty, important, consequential, significant

7. relating to the substance, matter, or material of a thing.
8. of or relating to the essence of a thing:

   the substantial parts of the ruling.

9. existing as or being a substance; having independent existence:

   a substantial being.

10. Philosophy. relating to or of the nature of substance or reality rather than an accident or attribute.

noun

1. something substantial.

substantial

/ səbˌstænʃɪˈælɪtɪ; səbˈstænʃəl /

adjective

1. of a considerable size or value

   substantial funds

2. worthwhile; important

   a substantial reform

3. having wealth or importance
4. (of food or a meal) sufficient and nourishing
5. solid or strong in construction, quality, or character

   a substantial door

6. real; actual; true

   the evidence is substantial

7. of or relating to the basic or fundamental substance or aspects of a thing
8. philosophy of or relating to substance rather than to attributes, accidents, or modifications

Derived Forms

• subˈstantially, adverb
• substantiality, noun

Other Words From

• sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty [s, uh, b-stan-shee-, al, -i-tee], sub·stan·tial·ness noun
• sub·stan·tial·ly adverb
• non·sub·stan·tial adjective
• non·sub·stan·tial·ness noun
• non·sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty noun
• pre·sub·stan·tial adjective
• su·per·sub·stan·tial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantial¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English substancial, from Late Latin substantiālis, equivalent to Latin substanti(a) substance + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

The brokers then scout out potential “crew members” who can earn substantial discounts for working the journey.

From The Daily Beast

Judging from current figures, there would be a substantial demand for this option, too.

From The Daily Beast

Such is the view from the Pech Valley in Kunar, a frontline that appears to be holding against substantial odds.

From The Daily Beast

For women who are attacked en masse, this new reporting system will save substantial time and energy.

From The Daily Beast

Swiss leaders also dispel the “slippery slope” idea by repeatedly rejecting substantial minimum wage increases.

From The Daily Beast

The embankment or road-bed was commenced by gigantic piling, and is very broad and substantial.

From Project Gutenberg

A brown or dark gray stone, as in Edinburgh, is the principal material used, and gives the city a very substantial appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

The active Capt descended, and seizing the substantial handle rang loudly.

From Project Gutenberg

Poland has been the true object; and, to cover the substantial seizures there, has been the trick of the French invasion.

From Project Gutenberg

For a moment, as the mistress of Skyrie surveyed these more substantial offerings she was inclined to resent them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• big
• consequential
• considerable
• extraordinary
• generous
• hefty
• large
• massive
• meaningful
• serious
• significant
• sizable
• solid
• steady
• strong
• valuable
• vast