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

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

He argued that ministers had been "forced" into holding the inquiry in June adding: "Perhaps that is why, months later, the government has said nothing substantive publicly."

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Leavitt has not issued further clarification, leaving critics and political opponents to question whether the White House is prioritizing viral soundbites over substantive messaging.

Read more on Salon

Republicans plan to pound Democrats for this politically, and they’ll have a substantive point.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Because over the last two decades the focus of the mainstream political class has slipped off anything as substantive as fixing France’s economy.

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Some Yemen experts said at the time that the strike was more symbolic than substantive, noting that the Houthi militia—and not its government—are the real source of power.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• actual 
• essential 
• existing 
• real