Substance
'sʌbstəns
Definitions
3 meaningsA particular kind of matter with uniform properties.
'sʌbstəns
The matter of which a thing consists.
The scientist analyzed the chemical substance.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a cake. The flour, sugar, and eggs are the different substances that make up the cake. It's basically what something is made of!
👶 For kids: It's the stuff that things are made of, like wood or water.
More Examples
The building was constructed using a strong substance.
How It's Used
"The substance of the rock was mainly granite."
"The artist used a variety of substances to create the painting."
Essential nature; the most important or essential part of something.
'sʌbstəns
The real or essential part of something.
The substance of the speech focused on climate change.
💡 Simply: If someone is giving a speech, the substance of the speech is what they are actually talking about – the main points and ideas. What's the real 'meat' of the discussion?
👶 For kids: The main idea or important part of something.
More Examples
The report lacked sufficient substance to be credible.
How It's Used
"The philosopher debated the substance of reality."
"The core substance of the argument was about the economy."
Financial resources or the means to support oneself.
'sʌbstəns
Financial resources.
The company had enough financial substance to survive the economic downturn.
💡 Simply: If someone has 'substance', it means they have money or resources. Like, “Wow, that investor has the substance to really build this business up!”
👶 For kids: It's like having money or things you need.
More Examples
The family's savings provided the substance needed to live comfortably.
How It's Used
"He has considerable substance to invest in the project."
"The claimant showed enough substance to proceed with their lawsuit"
Synonyms
Element
Material
Matter
Stuff
Core
Essence
Gist
Import
Assets
Capital
Resources
Idioms & expressions
more substance than meets the eye
Describing something or someone that is more complex or important than it appears at first.
"The quiet librarian, Mrs. Gable, had more substance than met the eye; she was secretly a published author."
From Middle English substantia, from Old French substance, from Latin substantia ('being, essence'), from substant ('being present, existing'), from sub ('under') + stare ('to stand').
The word 'substance' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the essential nature of something. Its meaning relating to material or matter developed later.
Memory tip
Think of 'sub' (under) and 'stance' (what something stands on). The substance is what provides the base.