substance /ˈsʌbstəns/

noun

Origin

From Latin substantia (being, essence), from substare (to be present, stand firm), from sub- (under) + stare (to stand)

Meanings

1. Physical material or matter

   • "The sticky substance wouldn't come off his shoes."
   • "Scientists analyzed the chemical substance in the laboratory."

2. The most important or essential part; the real meaning

   • "Let's focus on the substance of the argument rather than minor details."
   • "The speech had style but lacked substance."

3. Wealth; considerable property or resources

   • "A person of substance in the community."
   • "His family had substance and social standing."

4. The quality of being important or having a solid basis

   • "There is no substance to these rumors."
   • "Her claims have real substance."

Related Words

Forms:

• substantial (adj.)
• substantially (adv.)
• substantive (adj.)
• substantiate (v.)
• insubstantial (adj.)

Synonyms:

• matter
• material
• essence
• content
• significance
• reality

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: SUB (under) + STANCE (standing) = what stands under/supports everything
2. Think: "A substance is something you can SUB-STAIN-tially touch or feel"
3. Remember: All physical things are made of some SUBSTANCE, just as all arguments need SUBSTANCE to stand up