English Reference
adjective

substantial

adj.
US /səbˈstænʃəɫ/ UK /səbstˈænʃəl/ sub·stan·tial

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    large in size, value, or importance.

    considerable in importance, value, degree, or amount.

    Simple

    The company made a substantial profit this year after cutting costs.

    In context

    The research team received a substantial grant from the government, allowing them to expand their study into renewable energy sources over the next decade.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    strong and well-made.

    firmly constructed; sturdy and unlikely to break.

    Simple

    They live in a substantial stone house that was built over a century ago.

    In context

    The architect insisted on using substantial timber beams to ensure the roof could withstand the weight of heavy winter snowfall.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    describing a meal that is large and makes you feel full.

    providing enough nourishment to be filling; satisfying in quantity and quality.

    Simple

    After a long day of hiking, we sat down to a substantial dinner of beef stew.

    In context

    The hotel provides a substantial breakfast buffet, designed to sustain guests who plan to spend the entire day exploring the city on foot.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    real and existing in the physical world, rather than just an idea.

    having a physical existence; not imaginary or illusory.

    Simple

    The police need substantial evidence before they can make an arrest.

    In context

    The philosopher argued that while ideas are powerful, they lack the substantial nature of the physical objects we interact with daily.

Usage substantial amounts · substantial chance · barrier substantial

Men, particularly from Russia’s poorer regions, have been offered life-changing signing bonuses and salaries on open-ended contracts amounting to several years of local wages, alongside substantial payouts to their families if they are killed.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

And there are just seven months left for this minister to get a substantial number of significant policies past the Executive.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

From Middle English substancial, substantiall, from Old French substanciel, substantiel and its etymon Latin substantiālis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin substantiālis
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated