substantive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any word or group of words functioning as a noun
  2. adjective satellite having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable
    substantial.
    • substantial equivalents
  3. adjective defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established
    essential.
    • substantive law
  4. adjective satellite being on topic and prompting thought
    meaty.
    • a meaty discussion

WordNet

Sub"stan*tive adjective
Etymology
L. substantivus: cf. F. substantif.
Definitions
  1. Betokening or expressing existence; as, the substantive verb, that is, the verb to be.
  2. Depending on itself; independent.
    He considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner. Bacon.
  3. Enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
    Strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner. Hazlitt.
  4. Pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, the law substantive.
Sub"stan*tive noun
Etymology
Cf. F. substantif.
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) A noun or name; the part of speech which designates something that exists, or some object of thought, either material or immaterial; as, the words man, horse, city, goodness, excellence, are substantives.
Sub"stan*tive transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To substantivize. R. Cudworth.

Webster 1913