substantive (redirected from noun substantives)

sub·stan·tive  (sbstn-tv)

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.

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[Middle English substantif, self-sufficient, independent, from Old French, substantive, from Late Latin substantvus, from Latin substantia, substance; see substance.]

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substan·tive·ly adv.

substan·tive·ness n.

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substantive

Noun

Grammar a noun or pronoun used in place of a noun

Adjective

1. having importance or significance: substantive negotiations between management and staff

2. of or being the essential element of a thing [Latin substare to stand beneath]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	substantive - any word or group of words functioning as a noun word - a unit of language that native speakers can identify; "words are the blocks from which sentences are made"; "he hardly said ten words all morning" noun - a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action
Adj.	1.	substantive - having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable; "substantial equivalents" substantial essential - basic and fundamental; "the essential feature"
	2.	substantive - defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established; "substantive law" essential law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order" adjective, procedural - relating to court practice and procedure as opposed to the principles of law; "adjective law"
	3.	substantive - being on topic and prompting thought; "a meaty discussion" meaty meaningful - having a meaning or purpose; "a meaningful explanation"; "a meaningful discussion"; "a meaningful pause"