Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Large in amount, size, or importance: Refers to something that is considerable, significant, or of ample proportions.
   • Strongly built or made: Describes something that is solid, sturdy, and well-constructed.
   • Concerning the essential nature of something; real and tangible: Indicates something that has a firm basis in fact or reality, not imaginary or illusory.
   • Providing abundant nourishment: Used to describe a meal that is hearty and satisfying.

Usage Examples

• Large in amount or importance:
  • She made a substantial donation to the charity.
  • There is a substantial difference between the two proposals.
• Strongly built:
  • The house has a substantial brick foundation.
  • He was a man of substantial build.
• Real and tangible:
  • We need substantial evidence, not just rumors.
  • The agreement was based on substantial common ground.
• Nourishing (of food):
  • After the hike, we ate a substantial breakfast.

Advanced Usage

• "Substantial equivalent": A term used in law and science to denote something that is essentially equal in value, function, or effect.
  • The generic drug was considered a substantial equivalent to the brand-name version.
• "In substantial part": To a large or significant degree.
  • The project was funded in substantial part by a government grant.

Variants and Related Words

• Substantially (adverb): To a great extent or degree; essentially.
  • The plan has been substantially altered.
• Substantiate (verb): To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.
  • He could not substantiate his claim.
• Substantive (adjective): Having a firm basis in reality; important, meaningful, or considerable. (Note: Often used in formal or legal contexts, similar to 'substantial' but can also function as a noun in grammar.)
  • They had a substantive discussion about the policy.

Synonyms

• Considerable: Large in size, amount, or extent.
• Significant: Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention.
• Solid: Strong and reliable in construction; dependable.
• Hearty: (Of a meal) large and satisfying.

Related Phrases

• A substantial margin: By a large or clear amount.
  • The team won by a substantial margin.
• Of substantial build: Having a large, strong, or sturdy physical frame.
  • The security guard was a man of substantial build.

Adjective

1. of good quality and condition; solidly built
   • a solid foundation
   • several substantial timber buildings
2. providing abundant nourishment
   • a hearty meal
   • good solid food
   • ate a substantial breakfast
   • four square meals a day
3. having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
   • the substantial world
   • a mere dream, neither substantial nor practical
   • most ponderous and substantial things- Shakespeare
4. having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable
   • substantial equivalents
5. fairly large
   • won by a substantial margin