I. ˈsəbztəntiv, -bst- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English substantif, from Middle French, from substantif, adjective, having or expressing substance, from Late Latin substantivus self-existent, substantive
1.
a. : a word or part of speech that names or identifies something : a noun or noun equivalent (as a pronoun, phrase, or absolute adjective)
in “the good die young” good is a substantive
b. : a categorematic term
2. : an independent thing or person : a self-existent entity
II. “, in senses other than 2c & 3 also səbzˈtantiv or -bˈst- or -taan- or -ⁿtēv or -ntəv adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin substantivus, from Latin substantia substance + -ivus -ive — more at substance
1. : having the character of an independent self-subsistent entity or thing : existing in its own right : not derivative or dependent : self-contained
2.
a.
(1) : having the character or status of or referring to something that is real rather than apparent : firm , solid
(2) : enduring or permanent as distinguished from transitory
b. : belonging to the essence or intrinsic nature of the substance as distinguished from something that is accidental or qualifying : essential
c. : betokening or expressing existence
the substantive verb is the verb to be
d.
(1) : of, relating to, or being a dye that requires no mordant or a dyeing process involving such a dye : direct — opposed to adjective
(2) : having a specific affinity for a fiber (as wool or cellulose)
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 : categorematic — contrasted with adjective
4. : considerable in amount or numbers : substantial
5. : definite rather than contingent in status
a substantive appointment to an office