Substantive

/ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ · adjective

Meaning

Of the essence or essential element of a thing..

Definitions by Sense

1. Of the essence or essential element of a thing.
2. Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
3. (law) Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right.
4. (chemistry, of a dye) Not needing the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
5. Depending on itself; independent.
6. (grammar) Of or pertaining to a substantive.
7. (military, of a rank or appointment) Actually and legally held, as distinct from an acting, temporary or honorary rank or appointment.
8. (grammar) Ellipsis of noun substantive or substantive noun, a noun or a group of words (a noun phrase) that act as a noun (in a sentence).

Example Sentences

substantive information

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.

Once more then, strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner;

substantive law

So this test, this whole area of substantive due process, is tricky for some of the reasons you say. That’s been a criticism of the doctrine in general and a criticism of the general notion that we can have rights that the Constitution doesn’t specify, precisely because of the kind of inquiry that it invites judges to undertake.

Hee therefore taking into Conſideration, how ſufficient and ſuſstantiue this Land was, to maintaine it ſelfe without any aid (at all) of the foreigner; […]

The Dutch verb beelden and substantive beelding signify form-giving, creation, and by extension image—as do gestalten and Gestaltung in German, where Neo-Plastic[ism] is translated as Die neue Gestaltung.

Synonyms for substantive

Antonyms for substantive

Related Words

Word Forms

• more substantive
• most substantive
• substantives
• subst.
• substantiving
• substantived

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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