substantive
Americannoun
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a noun.
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a pronoun or other word or phrase functioning or inflected like a noun.
adjective
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Grammar.
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pertaining to substantives.
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used in a sentence like a noun.
a substantive adjective.
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expressing existence.
“to be” is a substantive verb.
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having independent existence; independent.
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belonging to the real nature or essential part of a thing; essential.
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real or actual.
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of considerable amount or quantity.
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possessing substance; having practical importance, value, or effect.
substantive issues under discussion.
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Law. pertaining to the rules of right which courts are called on to apply, as distinguished from rules of procedure (adjective ).
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(of dye colors) attaching directly to the material without the aid of a mordant (adjective ).
noun
adjective
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of, relating to, containing, or being the essential element of a thing
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having independent function, resources, or existence
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of substantial quantity
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solid in foundation or basis
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grammar denoting, relating to, or standing in place of a noun
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relating to the essential legal principles administered by the courts, as opposed to practice and procedure Compare adjective
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(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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We've raised those specific questions to the care board. There's been no substantive response," he said.
From BBC
In written submissions, Christopher Newman, representing Lowe, said the "substantive claim to judicial review alleges procedural unfairness in the processes of ICGS, as well as perversity and illegality".
From BBC
He has achieved substantive accomplishments, both domestically and in foreign policy.
From BBC
Under 5200, a full medical evaluation is required with a multidisciplinary team, “and it also requires a coordinated care plan on discharge,” raising “the hope of leading to something substantive.”
From Los Angeles Times
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov cut a less downbeat tone, saying the discussions had been "substantive and intensive" and that while there had been progress, no details could be disclosed "at this stage".
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
