substantial

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.

“Substantial” is pronounced suhb-STAN-shuhl (/səbˈstænʃəl/ in IPA).

Here is “substantial” used in a sentence: “She received a substantial pay rise after her promotion.”

Words with a similar meaning to “substantial” include actual, bodily, choical, corporeal, concrete and hylic.

The opposite of “substantial” — its antonyms — are insubstantial and superficial.

“Substantial” is an adjective.

The word “substantial” comes from Latin. From Old French substanciel, from Latin substantialis, from substantia ("substance").

“Substantial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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."