substantially
Substantially (adverb) means to a large or significant degree. Example: “Her health has improved substantially since she started walking every morning.”
adverb
1
To a large or significant degree.
"Her health has improved substantially since she started walking every morning."
"Sales increased substantially after the marketing campaign."
"The new engine is substantially quieter than the old one."
2
In its main or essential parts, even if not in every detail.
"The story he told was substantially true, though a few details were wrong."
"Both reports are substantially correct, apart from some small errors in the dates."
"The two contracts are substantially the same."
How to use substantially
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBy a lot, or in all the important ways.
Common pairings
substantially increase
substantially reduce
substantially similar
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more substantially
- Superlative
- most substantially
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Her health has improved _____ since she started walking every morning.
Etymology
From substantial plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for substantially
See all rhymes for substantially →Frequently asked questions
What does “substantially” mean?
The word “substantially” means to a large or significant degree. In plain terms, by a lot, or in all the important ways.
How do you use “substantially” in a sentence?
Here is “substantially” used in a sentence: “Sales increased substantially after the marketing campaign.”
What is another word for “substantially”?
Words with a similar meaning to “substantially” include deep down.
What part of speech is “substantially”?
“Substantially” is an adverb.
Is “substantially” a common word?
“Substantially” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “substantially” have?
“Substantially” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to a large or significant degree.
What is the difference between 'substantially' and 'significantly'?
Both mean 'to a large degree,' and in that sense they are often interchangeable, as in prices rose substantially or significantly. However, 'substantially' has a second meaning that 'significantly' lacks: 'in essential parts,' as in 'the two accounts are substantially the same.' Choose 'substantially' when you mean essentially or largely, and either word when you mean by a large amount.
Does 'substantially' mean 'completely'?
No. 'Substantially' means to a large or significant degree, or in the main essential parts, but it stops short of 'completely' or 'entirely.' Saying two documents are 'substantially the same' means they agree in their key points but may still differ in details.
Is 'substantially' a formal word?
Yes, 'substantially' is fairly formal and appears often in legal, academic, and business contexts. In casual speech people are more likely to say 'a lot,' 'much,' or 'basically.' It adds weight and precision to a statement.
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