Substantial-Substantive | Commonly Confused Words
Special Offer Special Offer
0d : 00h : 00m : 00s

Master confusing words with ease

Substantial vs. Substantive

Substantial

/səbˈstænʃəl/
Large in amount, size, or importance

Examples:

He wanted substantial work.The meal provided substantial nourishment.Her promotion came with a substantial pay increase.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Substantive

/səbˈstæntɪv/
This describes something important or serious in terms of content, rather than appearance or form.

Examples:

A substantive rule governs the rights of the parties involved.The debate had substantive discussions on policy reforms.Her contributions to the project were substantive, not merely formal.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Substantial is often connected to size or volume, implying a large or significant amount.
  • Substantive relates more to the essence or substance of something, focusing on the quality and meaningful aspect.
  • Remember that substantial often describes something that is weighty or considerable in quantity.
  • Substantive usually pertains to the meaningful nature of something, often dealing with core or essential content.
  • Think of substantial as measurable in size and substantive as measurable in importance.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd