substantive

[suhb-stuhn-tiv]

noun

Grammar.

1. a noun.

2. a pronoun or other word or phrase functioning or inflected like a noun.

adjective

1. Grammar.

   1. pertaining to substantives.

   2. used in a sentence like a noun.

      a substantive adjective.

   3. expressing existence.

      “to be” is a substantive verb.

2. having independent existence; independent.

3. belonging to the real nature or essential part of a thing; essential.

4. real or actual.

5. of considerable amount or quantity.

6. possessing substance; having practical importance, value, or effect.

   substantive issues under discussion.

7. Law.,  pertaining to the rules of right which courts are called on to apply, as distinguished from rules of procedure (adjective ).

8. (of dye colors) attaching directly to the material without the aid of a mordant (adjective ).

substantive

/ ˌsʌbstənˈtaɪvəl, ˈsʌbstəntɪv /

noun

1. grammar a noun or pronoun used in place of a noun

adjective

1. of, relating to, containing, or being the essential element of a thing

2. having independent function, resources, or existence

3. of substantial quantity

4. solid in foundation or basis

5. grammar denoting, relating to, or standing in place of a noun

6. relating to the essential legal principles administered by the courts, as opposed to practice and procedure Compare adjective

7. (of a dye or colour) staining the material directly without use of a mordant

Other Word Forms

• substantively adverb
• substantiveness noun
• nonsubstantive adjective
• nonsubstantiveness noun
• unsubstantive adjective
• substantivally adverb
• substantival adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin substantīvus, equivalent to Latin substant(ia) substance + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantive¹

C15: from Late Latin substantīvus, from Latin substāre to stand beneath; see _substance

Example Sentences

A courtesy royal title is one held by those who are associated with a peer or member of the royal family but do not hold a substantive title.

From BBC

The McChrystal Group also did not answer questions, only issuing two updates over the last few months, though neither contained any substantive information.

From Los Angeles Times

In practice, Hungary and Slovakia are the only substantive European buyers of Russian oil.

From BBC

Even though it was advertised as the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy,” the report includes almost no substantive proposals for government action to improve child health.

From Salon

He was instead the godfather of the “Debate Me” Bros, purveyors of a prevalent internet-based entertainment format that, in an era nearly void of substantive debate, is too often passed off as such.

From Salon

Related Words

• actual 
• essential 
• existing 
• real