[sub.stan.tive] n [ME substantif, fr. MF, fr. substantif, adj., having or expressing substance, fr. LL substantivus] (14c): noun; broadly: a word or word group functioning syntactically as a noun -- sub.stan.tiv.ize vt
[2]sub.stan.tive adj [ME, fr. LL substantivus having substance, fr. L substantia] (14c) 1: being a totally independent entity
2. a: real rather than apparent: firm; also: permanent, enduring b: belonging to the substance of a thing: essential c: expressing existence "the ~ verb is the verb to be" d: requiring or involving no mordant "a ~ dyeing process" 3 a: having the nature or function of a grammatical substant ive "a ~ phrase" b: relating to or having the character of a noun or pronominal term in logic
4: considerable in amount or numbers: substantial
5: creating and defining rights and duties "~ law"--compare procedural
6: having substance: involving matters of major or practical importance to all concerned "~ discussions among world leaders" -- sub.stan.tive.ly adv -- sub.stan.tive.ness n