substantively

American  

[suhb-stuhn-tiv-lee] / ˈsʌb stən tɪv li /

adverb

1. in a way that has to do with the meaning, subject matter, or essential nature of something.

   These guidelines and the current accessibility standards for transportation vehicles are substantively the same.

   I'm not qualified to substantively evaluate the scholar’s argument.

2. to a large degree; significantly.

   This is a small difference, though, and not substantively meaningful.

   While constrained by congressional statutes, federal agencies can substantively shape the policies within their jurisdiction.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsubstantively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of substantively

substantive + -ly

Example Sentences

Substantively, this is a powerful approach, since it attacks the key structural flaw in the current system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Substantively, be specific about what you’re suggesting or asking.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

Substantively, there are many clear differences between the episodes.

From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2023

Substantively, though, it was more of the same: Don’t look at me — I just work here.

From Washington Post • Jan. 14, 2022

Substantively this chapter introduces two aspects of the humanistic nursing practice theory: first, what this theory proposes and, second, how the proposals of the theory evolved.

From Humanistic Nursing by Paterson, Josephine G.