substance

sub·stance

noun \ˈsəb-stən(t)s\

Definition of SUBSTANCE

1

a : essential nature : essence b : a fundamental or characteristic part or quality c Christian Science : god 1b

2

a : ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change b : practical importance : meaning, usefulness <the … bill—which will be without substance in the sense that it will authorize nothing more than a set of ideas — Richard Reeves>

3

a : physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence b : matter of particular or definite chemical constitution c : something (as drugs or alcoholic beverages) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction <possession of a controlled substance> <substance abuse>

4

: material possessions : property <a family of substance>

— sub·stance·less \-ləs\ adjective

— in substance

: in respect to essentials : fundamentally

Examples of SUBSTANCE

1. The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin.
2. The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
3. heroin and other illegal substances
4. He had a history of substance abuse.
5. When has he ever said anything of substance?
6. The results of the study give substance to their theory.
7. the substance of my argument

Origin of SUBSTANCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin substantia, from substant-, substans, present participle of substare to stand under, from sub- + stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SUBSTANCE

Synonyms: material, raw material, stuff, making, timber

Related Words: possibility, potential, potentiality; matter, metal

Near Antonyms: debts, liabilities; indebtedness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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