adj
Uncommon
substantive
Substantive (adj) means forming the essential or basic part of something.
adj
1
Forming the essential or basic part of something.
"In one sense the first debate achieved the worst of all worlds: it managed to be technical, even dull, without being substantive or especially honest."
— , The first presidential debate: Back in the centre, back in the game (2012)
2
Concerned with real content rather than surface style, and so always meaningful.
"substantive changes made by the lawyers"
"Substantive editing is never trivial, whereas some aspects of copyediting are trivial."
3
Solid, firm and of real importance.
4
Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right.
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Etymology
Came into English via Middle English substantif, from Old French substantif.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for substantive
See all rhymes for substantive →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of substantive?
"substantive" (adj) means forming the essential or basic part of something.
What is another word for substantive?
Other words for "substantive" include substantial, meaty, essential.
What is the opposite of substantive?
The opposite of "substantive" is adjective.
What are the different meanings of substantive?
"substantive" has 3 main meanings: 1. Forming the essential or basic part of something; 2. Concerned with real content rather than surface style, and so always meaningful; 3. Solid, firm and of real importance.
