# substantive

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ · frequency rank #17,039

## Definitions
1. Of the essence or essential element of a thing.
2. Of the essence or essential element of a thing.
3. Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
4. Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right.
5. Not needing the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
6. Depending on itself; independent.
7. Of or pertaining to a substantive.
8. Actually and legally held, as distinct from an acting, temporary or honorary rank or appointment.

## Etymology
From Middle English substantif, from Old French substantif.

## Easily confused with
- **substantial** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/substantial-vs-substantive)
- **substantiate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/substantiate-vs-substantive)

## Common misspellings (17)
`sbustantive`, `ssubstantive`, `subbstantive`, `subsatntive`, `subsstantive`, `substanitve`, `substanntive`, `substantiev`, `substantivve`, `substanttive`, `substantvie`, `substatnive`, `substnative`, `substtantive`, `subtsantive`, `susbtantive`, `usbstantive`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/substantive