'Substantive' definitions:

Definition of 'substantive'

From: WordNet
adjective
Having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable; "substantial equivalents" [syn: substantial, substantive]
adjective
Defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established; "substantive law" [syn: substantive, essential] [ant: adjective, procedural]
adjective
Being on topic and prompting thought; "a meaty discussion" [syn: meaty, substantive]
noun
Any word or group of words functioning as a noun

Definition of 'Substantive'

From: GCIDE
  • Substantive \Sub"stan*tive\, n. [Cf. F. substantif.] (Gram.) A noun or name; the part of speech which designates something that exists, or some object of thought, either material or immaterial; as, the words man, horse, city, goodness, excellence, are substantives. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Substantive'

From: GCIDE
  • Substantive \Sub"stan*tive\, v. t. To substantivize. [R.] --Cudworth. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Substantive'

From: GCIDE
  • Substantive \Sub"stan*tive\, a. [L. substantivus: cf. F. substantif.]
  • 1. Betokening or expressing existence; as, the substantive verb, that is, the verb to be. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Depending on itself; independent. [1913 Webster]
  • He considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Enduring; solid; firm; substantial. [1913 Webster]
  • Strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner. --Hazlitt. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, the law substantive. [1913 Webster]
  • Noun substantive (Gram.), a noun which designates an object, material or immaterial; a substantive.
  • Substantive color, one which communicates its color without the aid of a mordant or base; -- opposed to adjective color. [1913 Webster]