Substantive

/ˈsʌb.stən.tɪv/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A word that is a noun, especially when referring to a substantial or important one.

In the sentence, 'The dog barks,' 'dog' is the substantive.

In legal terms, substantive refers to the essential legal principles governing a case.

The court's ruling was based on substantive law rather than procedural law.

adjective

Having a firm basis in reality and therefore important, meaningful, or considerable.

The committee urged for more substantive discussions on the policy changes.

Of or relating to the essential substance of a thing.

We need to conduct a substantive analysis before making any decisions.

From Latin 'substantivus', from 'substantia' meaning 'substance'.

substantive due process

Legal concept referring to the protection of certain fundamental rights.

substantive law

Law that governs how people are to behave according to the law.

substantiate

To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.

substance

The physical matter of which a person or thing consists.

substantial

Of considerable importance, size, or worth.

In discussions, used to refer to critical points.

Let's cut the fluff and get to the substantive points of the debate.

Used to describe important information in a casual context.

That meeting was full of substantive info we can actually use.