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substance - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'substance' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Substance [ n.]
- That which underlies all outward manifestations; substratum; the permanent subject or cause of phenomena, whether material or spiritual; that in which properties inhere; that which is real, in distinction from that which is apparent; the abiding part of any existence, in distinction from any accident; that which constitutes anything what it is; real or existing essence.
- The most important element in any existence; the characteristic and essential components of anything; the main part; essential import; purport.
- Body; matter; material of which a thing is made; hence, substantiality; solidity; firmness; as, the substance of which a garment is made; some textile fabrics have little substance.
- Material possessions; estate; property; resources.
- Same as Hypostasis, 2.
2 . Substance [ v. t.]
- To furnish or endow with substance; to supply property to; to make rich.

Meaning of 'substance' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . substance [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
Example in sentence:
  • DNA is the substance of our genes
Meaning (2):
- considerable capital (wealth or income)
Example in sentence:
  • he is a man of means
Meaning (3):
- a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties
Example in sentence:
  • shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man
Meaning (4):
- the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
Example in sentence:
  • the gist of the prosecutor's argument;
  • the heart and soul of the Republican Party;
  • the nub of the story
Meaning (5):
- material of a particular kind or constitution
Example in sentence:
  • the immune response recognizes invading substances
Meaning (6):
- the idea that is intended
Example in sentence:
  • What is the meaning of this proverb?
Meaning (7):
- the property of holding together and retaining its shape
Example in sentence:
  • when the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake;
  • wool has more body than rayon

Nearby Words:

sub sub judice sub- sub-base sub-bass subacid subacrid subacromial subact subaction

See 'substance' also in:

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