substantially

American  

[suhb-stan-shuh-lee] / səbˈstæn ʃə li /

adverb

1. by an ample or considerable amount; quite a lot.

   As a professor, my workload is substantially reduced or eliminated during the summer months.

2. in a basic or essential way; fundamentally.

   The new law mandates equal pay for substantially similar work, whether at the same establishment or not.

3. in a solid or firm way; stoutly or sturdily.

   In the far north, homes take more fuel to heat and also have to be built more substantially.

4. in a corporeal or material way; physically.

   The Eucharist makes the very Person of Christ truly, really, and substantially present in the consecrated bread and wine.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsubstantially
  adverb
• supersubstantially
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of substantially

substantial ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Substantially means "to a great extent." Your college fund was substantially increased by your grandfather's generous gift. What the heck, I'll throw in a quarter, too. Substantially is a good word to know any time you want to establish something's extent. It basically suggests "a large part." Your raise made your life substantially easier. The word also suggests an essential nature, as in "Nothing was substantially changed by the new law." The word carries a great deal of weight, as can be seen in this quote by Albert Einstein: "We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive."

Example Sentences

Substantially higher loan rates have followed, making it harder for Americans to afford a home or a car or for businesses to finance expansions.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 23, 2023

Substantially understating your income could result in a pretty severe penalty.

From Washington Post • Mar. 10, 2023

Substantially increased his goal tally despite moving out wide, recovered from serious injury to become a crucial part of Manchester United’s late resurgence and provided that wow factor on the pitch.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2020

Debate: Substantially mentioning protester's demands, agendas, goals and grievances.

From Salon • May 30, 2020

Substantially the same order was followed in the Vulgate.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 7 "Bible" to "Bisectrix" by Various

Related Words

• considerably
• essentially
• extensively
• heavily
• largely
• materially
• really