Substantiveness

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.

---

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

---

substan·tive·ly adv.

substan·tive·ness n.