What does "substantially" mean?

1. (to a large degree) by a large amount or to a great degree. 2. (mostly or essentially) used to say that something is true in the most important ways, even if not in every detail.

How do you use "substantially"?

Commonly modifies verbs of change like 'increase', 'decrease', 'improve', or 'differ'. Often used before adjectives like 'the same', 'different', or 'unchanged'.

substantially

adv.

US //səbˈstænʃəɫi// UK //səbstˈænʃəlˌi// sub·stan·tial·ly

1 to a large degree (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

by a large amount or to a great degree.

to a considerable or significant extent; used to quantify a change or difference.

Example

The price of the house has increased substantially since they bought it last year.

Example

The new environmental regulations have substantially reduced the volume of industrial waste discharged into the local river system.

Usage

Commonly modifies verbs of change like 'increase', 'decrease', 'improve', or 'differ'.
- slightly
- marginally
2 mostly or essentially (adv.)
C1 Advanced Formal Academic

used to say that something is true in the most important ways, even if not in every detail.

in essence or in regard to the main points; used when a statement is true for the most part.

Example

The two reports are substantially the same, with only a few small differences.

Example

While the wording has been updated for modern readers, the legal principles remain substantially unchanged from the original 19th-century statute.

Usage

Often used before adjectives like 'the same', 'different', or 'unchanged'.
- superficially

Origin

From substantial + -ly.

Word family

Adjectivesubstantial
Adverbsubstantially