substantive

American  

[suhb-stuhn-tiv] / ˈsʌb stən tɪv /

noun

Grammar.

1. a noun.

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

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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 British  

/ ˌsʌbstənˈtaɪvəl, ˈsʌbstəntɪv /

noun

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

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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

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

Etymology

Origin of substantive

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

Example Sentences

Beacon’s Myrow says he isn’t expecting much substantive news to come out of the speech.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Iranian officials denied any substantive talks between the two nations.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

A few minutes later, Trump reportedly spoke with CNBC’s Joe Kernan and said negotiations had been very intense, and that he hoped the talks could achieve something substantive.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

The search results provided do not contain substantive opposing viewpoints to the article’s perspective.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

My popularity there is based on more substantive qualities than physical maturity.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• actual
• essential
• existing
• real