I. səbzˈtanchəl, -bˈst-, -taan- adjective
Etymology: Middle English substancial, from Late Latin substantialis, from Latin substantia substance + -alis -al — more at substance
1.
a. : consisting of, relating to, sharing the nature of, or constituting substance : existing as or in substance : material
substantial life
the substantial realities
most ponderous and substantial things — Shakespeare
b. : not seeming or imaginary : not illusive : real , true
the substantial world
a mere dream neither substantial nor practical
c. : being of moment : important , essential
2.
a. : adequately or generously nourishing : abundant , plentiful
set a substantial table
after that too substantial dinner
b. : possessed of goods or an estate : moderately wealthy : well-to-do
a substantial man
often : having a good and well-maintained income-producing property
a substantial farmer
the more substantial tradesmen
c. : considerable in amount, value, or worth
made a substantial gain on the transaction
3.
a. : having good substance : firmly or stoutly constructed : sturdy , solid , firm
a substantial house
substantial cloth
b. : having a solid or firm foundation : soundly based : carrying weight
a substantial argument
substantial evidence
4.
a. : being that specified to a large degree or in the main
a substantial victory
a substantial lie
b. : of or relating to the main part of something
Synonyms: see massive
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English substancial, from substancial, adjective
: something that is substantial: as
a. : something having substance or actual existence
b. : something having good substance or actual value
c. : something of moment : an important or material matter, thing, or part