substantive
UK: ˈsʌbstəntɪv | US: ˈsəbstəntɪv
adj. having a firm basis in reality; essential or meaningful
adj. (law) relating to the substance of a matter rather than its form
n. (grammar) a noun or pronoun representing a concrete entity
Derived from Latin substantivus ("of substance"), itself from substare ("to stand under, exist"). The morpheme sub- implies foundational support, while -stant (from stare, "to stand") conveys permanence. The suffix -ive marks it as an adjective. Over time, the word evolved from denoting physical existence (e.g., "substantial") to abstract importance (e.g., "meaningful") and grammatical categorization (e.g., "noun-like").
The committee demanded substantive evidence before approving the proposal.
In legal contexts, substantive arguments outweigh procedural technicalities.
"Happiness" is a substantive, while "happy" is an adjective.
The treaty lacked substantive clauses to enforce environmental protections.
Her report provided substantive insights into the economic crisis.