substantively

[suhb-stuhn-tiv-lee]

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.

Other Word Forms

• nonsubstantively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantively¹

substantive + -ly

Example Sentences

Even with the victims and their families becoming more visible, new revelations or information are what drive news cycles and substantively move public opinion.

From BBC

In other words, what our body politic is facing today is not substantively new; it’s only perceptually new to those who’ve never before been subject to the whims of a place like Tallahassee.

From Salon

"But the proof is in the pudding, and we will need to see if that position has changes substantively as well as rhetorically."

From BBC

“There is a great imperative that it be addressed substantively.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve got to figure out where the cases are, procedurally, substantively, factually and then figure out where to go,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times