substantive
a noun.
a pronoun or other word or phrase functioning or inflected like a noun.
Grammar.
pertaining to substantives.
used in a sentence like a noun: a substantive adjective.
expressing existence: “to be” is a substantive verb.
having independent existence; independent.
belonging to the real nature or essential part of a thing; essential.
real or actual.
of considerable amount or quantity.
possessing substance; having practical importance, value, or effect: substantive issues under discussion.
Law. pertaining to the rules of right which courts are called on to apply, as distinguished from rules of procedure (opposed to adjective def. 3).
(of dye colors) attaching directly to the material without the aid of a mordant (opposed to adjective def. 4).
Origin of substantive
1Other words from substantive
- 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
Words Nearby substantive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use substantive in a sentence
These are reactive, not proactive, stances, and they do little to offer substantive solutions.
They still just distract us from generally more substantive topics in need of our attention.
#FixTheInternet: The Hashtag That Beat Back Kim Kardashian’s Butt | Emily Shire | November 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThose who feel moved to add a more substantive reason will say, “Oh yes, and the economy.”
This, and only this, is the key to driving real, substantive change in America.
Why ‘Moral Mondays’ Matter: Fulfulling the Jesse Jackson-Rainbow Coalition Legacy | Roland S. Martin | July 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWhich is more substantive: chained CPI, or criminal justice reform?
It is always to be remembered that retrospective legislation is bad in principle only when it affects the substantive law.
The History of England from the Accession of James II. | Thomas Babington MacaulayOnce more there is no definition of the term able-bodied, which is used sometimes as an adjective and sometimes as a substantive.
English Poor Law Policy | Sidney WebbThe word cynocephalus is rather an adjective than a proper substantive, for which reason we have not adopted it.
Buffon's Natural History. Volume IX (of 10) | Georges Louis Leclerc de BuffonPimmaudizziwin, is a very general substantive expression, in indicating the tenor of being or life.
The Indian in his Wigwam | Henry R. SchoolcraftTo give these expressions a verbal form, the substantive verb, with its pronominal modifications, must be superadded.
The Indian in his Wigwam | Henry R. Schoolcraft
British Dictionary definitions for substantive
/ (ˈsʌbstəntɪv) /
grammar a noun or pronoun used in place of a noun
of, relating to, containing, or being the essential element of a thing
having independent function, resources, or existence
of substantial quantity
solid in foundation or basis
grammar denoting, relating to, or standing in place of a noun
(səbˈstæntɪv) relating to the essential legal principles administered by the courts, as opposed to practice and procedure: Compare adjective (def. 3)
(səbˈstæntɪv) (of a dye or colour) staining the material directly without use of a mordant
Origin of substantive
1- Abbreviation: s, sb, subst
Derived forms of substantive
- substantival (ˌsʌbstənˈtaɪvəl), adjective
- substantivally, adverb
- substantively, adverb
- substantiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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