Substance

/ˈsʌbstəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a particular kind of matter with uniform properties.

Water is a substance that is essential for all forms of life.

the material or matter from which a person or thing is made.

The statue is carved from a solid substance called marble.

the essential nature of something; the most important part.

The substance of her argument was compelling and well-researched.

a significant or essential part or quality.

The substance of the treaty was to promote peace between the nations.

a drug or chemical, especially one that is illegal or controlled.

The authorities have been cracking down on the trafficking of controlled substances.

Late Middle English: from Old French 'substance' or Latin 'substantia', from 'substare' meaning 'to stand firm'.

substance abuse

The misuse of drugs or alcohol.

substance over form

Value is placed on the content rather than the appearance.

essence of the substance

The fundamental quality or nature of something.

material

The matter from which a thing is made.

component

A part or element of a larger whole.

essence

The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.

A term used to describe illicit drugs.

He was caught with a dangerous substance.

Refers to something significant or important.

That project had real substance.