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

See Examples For:

substantively

And it was a smashing success, not only politically, but substantively as well.

From Salon ● May 14, 2026

“President Trump has a great relationship with President Xi, and the upcoming summit in Beijing will be both symbolically and substantively significant,” said Anna Kelly, a spokeswoman.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026

"It is disappointing that the British government continues to show no willingness to substantively consider this issue and has failed to take the decisive action needed to provide meaningful support to the hospitality sector here."

From BBC ● Apr. 6, 2026

This primary is pitting at least two millennial candidates against each other—Crockett is 44 and Talarico 36—but they are both stylistically, substantively, and strategically very different.

From Slate ● Dec. 10, 2025

The Americans, however, use “Filipino” both substantively and adjectivally.

From The Philippine Islands by Foreman, John