Substantial
/səbˈstænʃəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsOf considerable size, importance, or value; large; considerable.
/səbˈstænʃəl/
Large in size, value, or importance.
The project required a substantial investment of time and money.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a sandcastle. A substantial base is big and strong, so it doesn't crumble easily. It's the opposite of something small and flimsy.
👶 For kids: Means a lot of something, or something is very big or important.
More Examples
There was a substantial increase in sales this year.
The earthquake caused substantial damage to the buildings.
How It's Used
"The company made a substantial profit this quarter."
"The defendant has a substantial amount of evidence against him."
"We need a substantial amount of time to complete the project."
Real and tangible; having a firm or sound basis in fact or reality.
/səbˈstænʃəl/
Having a firm basis in reality and therefore important.
The research provides substantial evidence of the benefits of the new drug.
💡 Simply: If someone gives you a substantial reason for why they were late, it’s a really good, believable reason that's hard to argue against.
👶 For kids: If something is substantial, it's real and true.
More Examples
The company presented a substantial argument for the new investment.
How It's Used
"The philosopher argued that the concept of free will lacks a substantial basis."
"The lawyer presented substantial arguments to support his case."
Synonyms
Ample
Considerable
Extensive
Large
Major
Significant
Sizeable
Concrete
Firm
Genuine
Real
Sound
Idioms & expressions
substantial equivalent
Something nearly equal in value or function.
"The company offered a substantial equivalent to the employee's previous benefits package."
From Middle English *substantial*, from Old French *substantial* or directly from Latin *substantialis* ('of substance'), from *substantia* ('substance').
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially to describe material or physical existence. Its meaning broadened over time to include concepts of importance and significance.
Memory tip
Think of SUBSTANCE, something that has weight and MATTER. Substantial things are not flimsy.