Substantive

Substantive refers to something essential, considerable, or real, possessing substance and weight rather than being merely formal or superficial. It denotes that something has its own independent existence, either physically or conceptually, and is not simply a shadow or an appearance. It also emphasizes dealing with important or practical matters, focusing on the heart of a subject or issue. In legal contexts, it often refers to the part of the law that creates, defines, and regulates rights, as opposed to procedural law.

Substantive meaning with examples

• The committee engaged in a Substantive discussion about the proposed policy changes, carefully considering their potential impact on employees and the company's overall goals, rather than focusing on minor details.
• The judge dismissed the frivolous lawsuit, stating that it lacked any Substantive evidence to support the plaintiff's claims, highlighting the importance of credible information in legal proceedings.
• After a long period of stagnation, the company finally made Substantive progress in developing a new, innovative product that had the potential to revolutionize the market, leading to significant growth.
• The report provided Substantive recommendations for improving the city's infrastructure, outlining specific projects and funding strategies needed to address pressing issues, reflecting the importance of thorough planning.