substantive
Americannoun
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a noun.
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a pronoun or other word or phrase functioning or inflected like a noun.
adjective
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Grammar.
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pertaining to substantives.
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used in a sentence like a noun.
a substantive adjective.
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expressing existence.
“to be” is a substantive verb.
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having independent existence; independent.
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belonging to the real nature or essential part of a thing; essential.
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real or actual.
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of considerable amount or quantity.
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possessing substance; having practical importance, value, or effect.
substantive issues under discussion.
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Law. pertaining to the rules of right which courts are called on to apply, as distinguished from rules of procedure (opposed to adjective).
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(of dye colors) attaching directly to the material without the aid of a mordant (opposed to adjective).
noun
adjective
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of, relating to, containing, or being the essential element of a thing
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having independent function, resources, or existence
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of substantial quantity
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solid in foundation or basis
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grammar denoting, relating to, or standing in place of a noun
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relating to the essential legal principles administered by the courts, as opposed to practice and procedure Compare adjective
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(of a dye or colour) staining the material directly without use of a mordant
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of substantive
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin substantīvus, equivalent to Latin substant(ia) substance + -īvus -ive
Explanation
When you talk about substantive change, you mean change that really makes a difference. After a substantive discussion, you will have an in-depth understanding of what you are talking about. When something is substantive, there is a lot of "there there," be it meaning or volume of things. The word brings a serious tone. While it is often used to talk about problems and their solutions, a big steak dinner could be called substantive, as could a very long piece of writing. In any case, you use it when there is a lot of substance involved.
Vocabulary lists containing substantive
Just Mercy
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The Freedom of Information Act (2016)
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You Bring the Distant Near
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Substantive coverage of fertility-related procedures and medications in the United States remains rare and highly variable depending on specific patients, providers, employers and state rules.
From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025
Substantive public comments have to be addressed by the agency.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2025
Substantive actions will need to follow policymakers' words to help shore up shaken confidence in China, investors and analysts said.
From Reuters • Aug. 11, 2023
Substantive bills were ranked higher than symbolic legislation such as renaming post offices, a common piece of legislation.
From Washington Times • Mar. 27, 2023
Finally we arrive at the consideration of the Casus or Case of Nouns Substantive.
From Continental Monthly , Vol. 5, No. 6, June, 1864 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
