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Substantive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Substantive means having a firm basis in reality, being important, meaningful, or substantial. It can also refer to something that is essential or has a strong factual foundation.

substantive

/səbˈstæn.t̬ɪv/ /səbˈstæn.tɪv/

Definition:

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

Synonyms:

significant, essential, substantial, meaningful

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

insignificant, trivial

Common Collocations:

substantive discussion, substantive change, substantive evidence

Derivatives:

substantively, substantiveness

Usage Tips:

Use "substantive" to describe something with real importance or factual basis, not superficial or minor.

Common Phrases:

substantive issue, substantive law, substantive argument

Etymology:

From Latin "substantivus," meaning "of substance," derived from "substantia" (substance).

Examples:

  • 1. The judge demanded substantive evidence before ruling.
  • 2. Her report included substantive findings on climate change.
  • 3. We need a substantive discussion to resolve this issue.
  • 4. The changes were minor, not substantive enough to matter.

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