Sub"stan*tive (?), a. [L. substantivus: cf. F. substantif.]

1.

Betokening or expressing existence; as, the substantive verb, that is, the verb to be.

2.

Depending on itself; independent.

He considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner. Bacon.

3.

Enduring; solid; firm; substantial.

Strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner. Hazlitt.

4.

Pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, the law substantive.

Noun substantive Gram., a noun which designates an object, material or immaterial; a substantive. -- Substantive color, one which communicates its color without the aid of a mordant or base; -- opposed to adjective color.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sub"stan*tive, n. [Cf. F. substantif.] Gram.

A noun or name; the part of speech which designates something that exists, or some object of thought, either material or immaterial; as, the words man, horse, city, goodness, excellence, are substantives.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sub"stan*tive, v. t.

To substantivize.

[R.]

Cudworth.

 

© Webster 1913.

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