Substantive

Quick meaning: Substantive is an adjective meaning Of the essence or essential element of a thing.

Meaning

Of the essence or essential element of a thing.

More Meanings

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

substantive information

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

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.

Word Forms

• substantives
• substantiving
• substantived

Synonyms for substantive

Depending on context, synonyms include essential, meaty, substantial, substantival, noun, substantivize.

Antonyms for substantive

Common opposites include superficial, trivial, adjective, procedural.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include substantial, meaningful, essential, meaty, objective, concrete.

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