Substantively, an adverb, signifies acting or existing in substance or essence; genuinely. It describes something of considerable importance, impact, or weight. When used, it implies that the subject is crucial, significantly impactful, or central to the matter at hand. It often indicates discussions, changes, or considerations that are focused on the core issues, not superficial aspects. Substantively-focused actions result in meaningful change or tangible outcomes. Essentially, it means to handle the matter fundamentally and thoroughly, going beyond superficial analysis or action.
Substantively meaning with examples
- The committee decided to address the problem substantively, rather than simply issuing a press release. They initiated an in-depth investigation, involving interviews and analysis of the root causes, to formulate an effective and long-term solution. They worked to find solutions, in opposition to the proposed actions that just tried to appear to solve a real issue.
- The new policy was discussed substantively, with stakeholders openly debating its merits and potential drawbacks. They identified areas where the policy needed modification to be most effective, as well as other areas where its effectiveness might be limited based on the data that had been provided.
- The professor provided substantively insightful feedback on the student's research paper, going beyond grammar and stylistic suggestions. He offered alternative interpretations of the data, proposing that the hypothesis required further investigation into the findings, or the source materials.
- During the negotiations, the parties needed to engage substantively, rather than through veiled threats or superficial compromises. They tackled the core issues, and focused on finding common ground that would last for a significant period of time, and ensure that their efforts were not wasted.