substantive
[suhb-stuh n-tiv]
- a noun.
- a pronoun or other word or phrase functioning or inflected like a noun.
Show More
- Grammar.
- pertaining to substantives.
- used in a sentence like a noun: a substantive adjective.
- expressing existence: “to be” is a substantive verb.
- having independent existence; independent.
- belonging to the real nature or essential part of a thing; essential.
- real or actual.
- of considerable amount or quantity.
- possessing substance; having practical importance, value, or effect: substantive issues under discussion.
- Law. pertaining to the rules of right which courts are called on to apply, as distinguished from rules of procedure (opposed to adjective).
- (of dye colors) attaching directly to the material without the aid of a mordant (opposed to adjective).
Show More
Origin of substantive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for substantively
Contemporary Examples
Instead of substantively responding to these failed expectations, the ACE takes a spin-cycle approach.
Instead, busing was a failure—conceptually and substantively—because of faulty liberal assumptions.
Substantively, as opposed to stylistically, there was no New Left.
Substantively, I think he pretty well signaled that the Justice Department isn't going to take up this case.
Substantively, Tzohar has shown little interest in improving the lives of ordinary Israelis, much less Israeli women.
Historical Examples
In linking these adjectives, you will realize one of my infatuations wherever they are substantively found.
Charles Auchester, Volume 1 of 2Elizabeth Sheppard
Fleury differs a little from this legend, but has substantively preserved it.
A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 9 (of 10)Franois-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)
The priests are generally the most crafty of men, and many among them are substantively wicked.
The System of Nature, Volume 2Paul Henri Thiery (Baron D'Holbach)
He would have been ugly, he substantively granted, had he not been happy; he would have been dangerous had he not been warranted.
The Awkward AgeHenry James
substantive
- grammar a noun or pronoun used in place of a noun
Show More
- of, relating to, containing, or being the essential element of a thing
- having independent function, resources, or existence
- of substantial quantity
- solid in foundation or basis
- grammar denoting, relating to, or standing in place of a noun
- (səbˈstæntɪv) relating to the essential legal principles administered by the courts, as opposed to practice and procedureCompare adjective (def. 3)
- (səbˈstæntɪv) (of a dye or colour) staining the material directly without use of a mordant
Show More
Abbreviation: s, sb, subst
Word Origin
C15: from Late Latin substantīvus, from Latin substāre to stand beneath; see substance
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for substantively
substantive
adj.
late 15c., "standing by itself," from Old French substantif, from Late Latin substantivum, neuter of Latin substantivus "of substance or being," from substantia (see substance). The grammatical term (late 14c.) was introduced by the French to denote the noun in contradistinction to the adjective, from Latin nomen substantivum "name or word of substance."
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper