Meaning of substance in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈsəbstəns/

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  1. Noun

    substance

    Etymology

    Middle English (denoting the essential nature of something): from Old French, from Latin substantia‘being, essence’, from substant-‘standing firm’, from the verb substare

    Definitions

    1. that which has mass and occupies space

    Examples

    • « an atom is the smallest indivisible unit of matter »
  2. 2. the stuff of which an object consists
  3. 3. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

    Examples

    • « the gist of the prosecutor's argument »
    • « the heart and soul of the Republican Party »
    • « the nub of the story »

    Derived terms

  4. 4. the idea that is intended

    Examples

    • « What is the meaning of this proverb? »

    Derived terms

  5. 5. considerable capital (wealth or income)

    Examples

    • « he is a man of means »
  6. 6. what a communication that is about something is about

Famous quotes

  • « Time is the substance from which I am made. Time is a river which carries me along, but I am the river it is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger it is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire. »
    Jorge Luis Borges
  • « My main aim has always been to do good quality films with roles that have some substance. With Power and Beauty there were loads of things that I liked about the movie, which made me opt for it. »
    Natasha Henstridge
  • « I'm in awe of the universe, but I don't necessarily believe there's an intelligence or agent behind it. I do have a passion for the visual in religious rituals, though, even though they may be completely empty and bereft of substance. The incense is powerful and provocative, whether Buddhist or Catholic. »
    David Bowie
  • « The substance of faith is a hope in the unseen. »
    Ron Suskind
  • « Faith is the substance of hope - of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. So if you can hope for it and imagine it, and keep imagining and hoping and seeing yourself driving a new car, or seeing yourself getting that job, or seeing yourself excel, seeing yourself help that person - that is faith. »
    Duane Chapman

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