ENGLISH
REFERENCE

substantive

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈsəbstəntɪv// UK //səbstˈæntɪv// sub·stan·tive Archaic

adj. important, real, or serious. You use this to describe something that has a lot of value or meaning rather than just being for show.

adj. relating to the essence or substance of a matter; having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable.


SIMPLE

The two leaders held substantive talks about the new trade deal.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee refused to approve the proposal until the developers provided substantive evidence of the project's environmental benefits.

COMPLEX

While the initial report offered a superficial overview of the crisis, the subsequent investigation provided substantive insights into the systemic failures that led to the collapse.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English substantif, from Old French substantif.

Usage

Often used in formal, legal, or political contexts to distinguish essential content from mere procedure or form.

Pitfall

a substantive amount of watera substantial amount of waterLearners often confuse 'substantive' (meaning essential or serious) with 'substantial' (meaning a large amount).

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