Word
substantially
Phoneticssub·stan·tial·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/səbˈstænʃəɫi/
UK/səbstˈænʃəlˌi/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01to a large degree
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adv. by a large amount or to a great degree.
adv. to a considerable or significant extent; used to quantify a change or difference.
“The price of the house has increased substantially since they bought it last year.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02mostly or essentially
C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic
adv. used to say that something is true in the most important ways, even if not in every detail.
adv. in essence or in regard to the main points; used when a statement is true for the most part.
“The two reports are substantially the same, with only a few small differences.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “substantially” in context.
Verb
01. substantially affect
“The new tax regulations will substantially affect small business owners across the country.”
adv + verb
02. substantially alter
“The architect had to substantially alter the plans to meet the new safety requirements.”
adv + verb
03. substantially change
“The internet has substantially changed the way people communicate and access information.”
adv + verb
04. substantially contribute
“Regular exercise can substantially contribute to your overall physical and mental well-being.”
adv + verb
05. substantially decrease
“Crime rates in the neighborhood have substantially decreased since the new patrol started.”
adv + verb
06. substantially differ
“The two versions of the software substantially differ in terms of user interface and speed.”
adv + verb
07. substantially increase
“The company managed to substantially increase its market share over the last fiscal year.”
adv + verb
08. substantially reduce
“Switching to LED bulbs can substantially reduce your monthly electricity bill.”
adv + verb
09. substantially vary
“The cost of living can substantially vary depending on which city you choose to live in.”
adv + verb
10. substantially higher
Real-World Examples
“Japan's Ministry of Finance says that AI adoption by businesses has already increased substantially, , external with 75% of companies now using the technology, up from 11% five years ago.” “A large study suggests that substantially greater benefits may require roughly 560 to 610 minutes a week—nearly 9 to 10 hours of brisk walking, running, cycling, or similar activity.” “Our levels of oestrogen and progesterone shift most substantially during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy and while breastfeeding – which can make you less able to regulate your temperature.” Etymology
From substantial + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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