substantial
suhb-STAN-shuhl
Substantial (adjective) means Large enough in size, amount, or value to be significant. Example: “She received a substantial pay rise after her promotion.”
adjective
1
Large enough in size, amount, or value to be significant.
"She received a substantial pay rise after her promotion."
"There was substantial damage to the roof after the storm."
"The charity received a substantial donation that will pay for a new library."
2
Solid, strong, or well-built.
"The old farmhouse had substantial oak beams holding up the roof."
"They built a substantial wall around the garden to keep the wind out."
"The table was a substantial piece of furniture that four men struggled to lift."
3
Real and actual rather than imaginary.
"He was a substantial presence in her life, not just a rumour."
"The scientists wanted substantial results, not just vague ideas and guesses."
"The evidence gave substantial grounds for reopening the case."
How to use substantial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBig or important enough to really matter — a substantial amount is a lot, not a little.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with substantive, which means "relating to the actual content or substance of something" (a substantive point) rather than "large."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
substantial amount
substantial evidence
substantial increase
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Word forms
- Plural
- substantials
- Comparative
- more substantial
- Superlative
- most substantial
Fill the gap
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She received a _____ pay rise after her promotion.
Etymology
From Old French substanciel, from Latin substantialis, from substantia ("substance").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for substantial
See all rhymes for substantial →Frequently asked questions
What does “substantial” mean?
The word “substantial” means large enough in size, amount, or value to be significant. In plain terms, big or important enough to really matter — a substantial amount is a lot, not a little.
How do you pronounce “substantial”?
“Substantial” is pronounced suhb-STAN-shuhl (/səbˈstænʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “substantial” in a sentence?
Here is “substantial” used in a sentence: “She received a substantial pay rise after her promotion.”
What is another word for “substantial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “substantial” include actual, bodily, choical, corporeal, concrete and hylic.
What is the opposite of “substantial”?
The opposite of “substantial” — its antonyms — are insubstantial and superficial.
What part of speech is “substantial”?
“Substantial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “substantial” come from?
The word “substantial” comes from Latin. From Old French substanciel, from Latin substantialis, from substantia ("substance").
Is “substantial” a common word?
“Substantial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between substantial and significant?
Substantial emphasises that something is large in size, amount, or value, as in "a substantial sum of money." Significant emphasises that something is important or meaningful in its effect, as in "a significant discovery." A substantial amount is big, whereas a significant amount matters, and often the two overlap.
What is the difference between substantial and substantive?
Substantial usually means large in amount or value, or solid and well-built, as in "a substantial meal" or "a substantial building." Substantive means relating to the essential substance or content of something, as in "substantive changes" or "a substantive discussion." They are often confused because both come from the same root, but substantial is about size or solidity and substantive is about meaningful content.
What are common collocations with substantial?
Substantial frequently pairs with amounts and quantities, as in "substantial amount," "substantial sum," "substantial increase," "substantial evidence," and "substantial progress." It can also describe physical things, as in "a substantial building" or "a substantial meal."
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