substance
SUHBS-tuhns
Substance (noun) means a particular kind of physical matter with distinct properties. Example: “The lab identified an unknown substance on the fabric.”
noun
1
A particular kind of physical matter with distinct properties.
"The lab identified an unknown substance on the fabric."
"Water is a clear substance that most living things need."
"Wear gloves when handling any chemical substance in the laboratory."
2
The essential or most important part of something.
"There's no real substance to his argument."
"The substance of her speech was that we should all help more."
"Reading only the headline, you'll miss the substance of the story."
3
An illegal drug, especially referred to in formal or legal contexts.
"He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance."
"Athletes are tested for any banned substance before the race."
"The police report mentioned a prohibited substance found in the car."
How to use substance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPhysical material, or figuratively, the real, meaningful core of something (like an argument).
Common pairings
controlled substance
lack substance
a strange substance
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like substance.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- substances
- Third person singular
- substances
- Past tense
- substanced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The lab identified an unknown _____ on the fabric.
Etymology
From Latin substantia, "essence, being" — from substō, "to stand firm, exist," literally "to stand under."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for substance
See all rhymes for substance →Frequently asked questions
What does “substance” mean?
The word “substance” means a particular kind of physical matter with distinct properties. In plain terms, physical material, or figuratively, the real, meaningful core of something (like an argument).
How do you pronounce “substance”?
“Substance” is pronounced SUHBS-tuhns (/ˈsʌbstəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “substance” in a sentence?
Here is “substance” used in a sentence: “The lab identified an unknown substance on the fabric.”
What is another word for “substance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “substance” include corporeity, body, mass, material, matter and stuff.
What is the opposite of “substance”?
The opposite of “substance” — its antonyms — are nothing, vacuum, void, energy and force.
What part of speech is “substance”?
“Substance” is a noun.
Where does the word “substance” come from?
The word “substance” comes from Latin. From Latin substantia, "essence, being" — from substō, "to stand firm, exist," literally "to stand under.".
Is “substance” a common word?
“Substance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'substance' and 'material'?
Both can refer to physical matter, but 'substance' emphasizes a specific kind of matter with distinct properties, such as a chemical substance. 'Material' is broader and often refers to matter used to make or build something, such as raw materials.
What is the difference between 'substance' and 'essence'?
In the abstract sense, 'substance' means the essential or most important part of something, as in 'the substance of an argument.' 'Essence' is similar but stresses the intrinsic nature that makes something what it is; substance leans toward meaningful content, essence toward core identity.
When is an argument said to 'lack substance'?
An argument lacks substance when it has little meaningful content, evidence, or importance behind it. Here 'substance' refers to the essential, worthwhile part rather than physical matter.
Why are drugs sometimes called 'substances'?
The word draws on the sense of 'substance' as a distinct kind of physical matter with particular properties. Terms like 'controlled substance' and 'substance use' apply this neutral, matter-based meaning to chemicals that affect the body.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include substance:
