I. ˈsəb-stən-tiv noun
Etymology: Middle English substantif, from Anglo-French sustentif, from sustentif, adjective, having or expressing substance, from Late Latin substantivus, from Latin substantia
Date: 14th century
: noun ; broadly : a word or word group functioning syntactically as a noun
• sub·stan·tiv·ize -ti-ˌvīz transitive verb
II. ˈsəb-stən-tiv; 2c & 3 also səb-ˈstan-tiv adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French sustentif
Date: 14th century
1. : being a totally independent entity
2.
a. : real rather than apparent : firm
need substantive evidence to prove her guilt
also : permanent , enduring
b. : belonging to the substance of a thing : essential
c. : expressing existence
the substantive verb is the verb to be
d. : requiring or involving no mordant
a substantive dyeing process
3.
a. : having the nature or function of a grammatical substantive
a substantive phrase
b. : relating to or having the character of a noun or pronominal term in logic
4. : considerable in amount or numbers : substantial
made substantive progress
5. : creating and defining rights and duties
substantive law
— compare procedural
6. : having substance : involving matters of major or practical importance to all concerned
substantive discussions among world leaders
• sub·stan·tive·ly adverb
• sub·stan·tive·ness noun