substantive Meaning & Definition
What Does Substantive Mean?
Substantive is used as an adjective meaning Of the essence or essential element of a thing. It can also mean Constituting the substance of content rather than its style, and thus always nontrivial. As a noun, it means Ellipsis of noun substantive or substantive noun, a noun or a group of words (a noun phrase) that act as a noun (in a sentence). As a verb, it means To make a word belonging to another part of speech into a substantive (that is, a noun) or use it as a noun.
Word Facts for Substantive
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ |
| Synonyms | substantial, essential and meaningful |
| Antonyms | adjective, procedural and superficial |
| Plural | substantives |
| Comparative / superlative | more substantive, most substantive |
| Verb forms | substantives, substantiving, substantived |
Substantive Definition (Adjective)
- Of the essence or essential element of a thing.
substantive information
- Constituting the substance of content rather than its style, and thus always nontrivial.
Substantive editing is never trivial, whereas some aspects of copyediting are trivial.
- Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
- Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right.
substantive law
- Not needing the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
- Depending on itself; independent.
- Of or pertaining to a substantive.
- Actually and legally held, as distinct from an acting, temporary or honorary rank or appointment.
Substantive as a Noun
- Ellipsis of noun substantive or substantive noun, a noun or a group of words (a noun phrase) that act as a noun (in a sentence).
- Part of a text that carries the meaning, such as words and their ordering.
Substantive as a Verb
- To make a word belonging to another part of speech into a substantive (that is, a noun) or use it as a noun.
Noun
- (grammar) a word that names a person, place, thing or idea; a noun (sensu stricto)
Verb
- (grammar) to make a word belonging to another part of speech into a substantive (that is, a noun) or use it as a noun
Adjective
- Of the essence or essential element of a thing; as, "substantive information"
- Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right; as, "substantive law"
- Of a dye that does not need the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed
- (grammar) used like a noun substantive
- (of a rank or appointment) actually and legally held, as distinct from an acting, temporary or honorary rank or appointment
Synonyms of Substantive
Antonyms of Substantive
Substantive in a Sentence
substantive information
Substantive editing is never trivial, whereas some aspects of copyediting are trivial.
substantive changes made by the lawyers
substantive law
Word Forms & Grammar
substantive (comparative more substantive, superlative most substantive)
substantive (plural substantives)
substantive (third-person singular simple present substantives, present participle substantiving, simple past and past participle substantived)
Origin of Substantive
From Middle English substantif, from Old French substantif.
Substantive: Your Questions Answered
Is substantive an adjective or a noun?
Substantive is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.
What is another word for substantive?
Words with a similar meaning to substantive include substantial, essential and meaningful. See the full list of substantive synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of substantive?
Words opposite in meaning to substantive are adjective, procedural and superficial.
What is the plural of substantive?
The plural of substantive is substantives.
What is the past tense of substantive?
The past tense of substantive is substantived. The present participle is substantiving.