Definition of "substantive"

substantive

/ˈsʌbstəntɪv/

adjective
comparative more substantive, superlative most substantive
1. Of the essence or essential element of a thing.
  Quotations
  In one sense the first debate achieved the worst of all worlds: it managed to be technical, even dull, without being substantive or especially honest.
  2012 October 6, “The first presidential debate: Back in the centre, back in the game”, in The Economist‎
  1. (by extension) Constituting the substance of content rather than its style, and thus always nontrivial.
2. Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
  Quotations
  Once more then, strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner;
  1836 , William Hazlitt, “Definition of wit”, in Literary Remains of the Late William Hazlitt‎, page 19
3. (law) Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right.
4. (chemistry, of a dye) Not needing the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
5. Depending on itself; independent.
  Quotations
  Hee therefore taking into Conſideration, how ſufficient and ſuſstantiue this Land was, to maintaine it ſelfe without any aid (at all) of the foreigner; […]
  1631, Francis [Bacon], “New Atlantis. A Worke Vnfinished.”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […], page 16
6. (grammar) Of or pertaining to a substantive.
7. (military, of a rank or appointment) Actually and legally held, as distinct from an acting, temporary or honorary rank or appointment
noun
plural substantives
1. (grammar) Clipping of noun substantive.
2. Part of a text that carries the meaning, such as words and their ordering.
verb
third-person singular simple present substantives, present participle substantiving, simple past and past participle substantived
1. (grammar, very rare) To make a word belonging to another part of speech into a substantive (that is, a noun) or use it as a noun.

Definition of "substantive"

substantive

adjective

Quotations

Quotations

Quotations

noun

verb