Substantive

Origin

From Old French substantif.

Full definition of substantive

Adjective

substantive

Of the essence or essential element of a thing; as, "substantive information".

2012, The Economist, 06 Oct 2012 issue; The first presidential debate: Back in the centre, back in the gameIn one sense the first debate achieved the worst of all worlds: it managed to be technical, even dull, without being substantive or especially honest.

Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.

HazlittStrength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner.

(legal) Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right; as, "substantive law".
(chemistry) Of a dye that does not need the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
Depending on itself; independent.

Francis BaconHe considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner.

Synonyms

(of the essential element) essential, in essence
(having substance) meaty, substantial

Antonyms

(having substance) superficial
(legal) adjective, procedural
verbal
(of a dye that does not need the use of a mordant) adjective

Derived terms

substantive law

Noun

substantive

(plural substantives)

(grammar) A word that names or refers to a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns and personal pronouns are always substantives by nature.

Alternative forms

subst. abbreviation used in lexicography and grammar

Hyponyms

Derived terms