SUBSTANTIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does substantive mean? 

• SUBSTANTIVE (noun)
  The noun SUBSTANTIVE has 1 sense:

1. any word or group of words functioning as a noun

  Familiarity information: SUBSTANTIVE used as a noun is very rare.

• SUBSTANTIVE (adjective)
  The adjective SUBSTANTIVE has 3 senses:

1. of or relating to the real nature or essential elements of something

2. defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established

3. being on topic and prompting thought

  Familiarity information: SUBSTANTIVE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SUBSTANTIVE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Any word or group of words functioning as a noun

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("substantive" is a kind of...):

word (a unit of language that native speakers can identify)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "substantive"):

noun (a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action)

Derivation:

substantival (of or relating to or having the nature or function of a substantive (i.e. a noun or noun equivalent))

• SUBSTANTIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to the real nature or essential elements of something

Synonyms:

substantial; substantive

Context example:

a substantial argument

Similar:

essential (basic and fundamental)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established

Synonyms:

essential; substantive

Context example:

substantive law

Domain category:

jurisprudence; law (the collection of rules imposed by authority)

Antonym:

adjective (relating to court practice and procedure as opposed to the principles of law)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Being on topic and prompting thought

Synonyms:

meaty; substantive

Context example:

a meaty discussion

Similar:

meaningful (having a meaning or purpose)