adj. 1. Substantial; considerable. 2. Independent in existence or function; not subordinate. 3. Not imaginary; actual; real. 4. Of or relating to the essence or substance; essential: substantive information. 5. Having a solid basis; firm. 6. Grammar Expressing or designating existence; for example, the verb to be. 7. Grammar Designating a noun or noun equivalent. n. Grammar A word or group of words functioning as a noun. [Middle English substantif, self-sufficient, independent, from Old French, substantive, from Late Latin substantīvus, from Latin substantia, substance; see SUBSTANCE.] substan·tive·ly adv. substan·tive·ness n. |
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