substance

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the most important part or the real meaning of what someone says or writes.

n. the essential part, core meaning, or most significant aspect of a piece of communication or thought.

“I agree with the substance of his argument, even if I don't like his tone.”

“While the presentation was visually impressive, the board felt it lacked the substance required to justify such a significant investment.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the quality of being real, solid, or important.

n. the quality of having a solid basis in reality or being important and meaningful.

“There is no substance to the rumours that the shop is closing.”

“The allegations lacked substance, as the witness was unable to provide any concrete evidence to support her claims.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine Formal

n. a drug, especially one that is illegal or harmful.

n. a chemical or drug, particularly one that is subject to legal restrictions or associated with addiction.

“He was arrested for illegal substance abuse after the party.”

“The clinic provides support for individuals struggling with substance dependence and related mental health issues.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Literary

n. money, possessions, or land.

n. material possessions, wealth, or property. Often used in the phrase 'a person of substance'.

“She was known in the town as a woman of substance and influence.”

“The family lost much of their substance during the economic depression, forced to sell their ancestral estate to settle debts.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Philosophy Academic · Technical

n. the basic reality of something that does not change.

n. the underlying reality or essence of an object that exists independently of its properties.

“The philosopher argued about whether the mind is a different substance from the body.”

“In Aristotelian logic, substance is that which is neither asserted of a subject nor exists in a subject.”