substantive

Etymology

From Middle English substantif, from Old French substantif.

adj

1. Of the essence or essential element of a thing.
   substantive information
   In one sense the first debate achieved the worst of all worlds: it managed to be technical, even dull, without being substantive or especially honest. 6 October 2012, “The first presidential debate: Back in the centre, back in the game”, in The Economist
   1. (by extension) Constituting the substance of content rather than its style, and thus always nontrivial.
      Substantive editing is never trivial, whereas some aspects of copyediting are trivial.
      substantive changes made by the lawyers
2. Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
   Once more then, strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner; 1836 [1829], William Hazlitt, “Definition of wit”, in Literary Remains of the Late William Hazlitt, page 19
3. (law) Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right.
   substantive law
4. (chemistry, of a dye) Not needing the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
5. Depending on itself; independent.
6. (grammar) Of or pertaining to a substantive.
7. (military, of a rank or appointment) Actually and legally held, as distinct from an acting, temporary or honorary rank or appointment

noun

1. (grammar) Clipping of noun substantive.
2. Part of a text that carries the meaning, such as words and their ordering.
   Coordinate term: accidental

verb

1. (grammar, very rare) To make a word belonging to another part of speech into a substantive (that is, a noun) or use it as a noun.