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Substantive Definition & Meaning

substantive
adjective
  1. having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable; "substantial equivalents"
  2. defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established; "substantive law"
  3. being on topic and prompting thought; "a meaty discussion"
noun
  1. any word or group of words functioning as a noun

Usage tips for "substantive"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "substantive" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for substantive to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does substantive mean?
having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable; "substantial equivalents" defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established; "substantive law" being on topic and prompting thought; "a meaty discussion" any word or group of words functioning as a noun
What part of speech is substantive?
Substantive is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does substantive have?
Substantive has 4 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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