Words / C1

s-uh-b-STANSHL/səbˈstænʃl/

Substantial means large in amount, value, or importance — more than slight, less theatrical than huge. Native academic writers prefer a substantial difference, substantial evidence. Significant often implies statistical or meaningful importance; considerable is a close synonym. Substantive (on the substance of an issue) is a different, easily confused word.

Meaning

Large in amount, value, or importance.

Examples

• “There has been a substantial improvement.”
• “There is now substantial evidence for the smaller effect.”
• “She inherited a substantial library, not just a few novels.”

Good to know

substantial = fairly large/important. significant = often “meaningful.” Not substantive (about substance).

Near in meaning

considerable

New