substantial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite fairly large
    significant.
    • won by a substantial margin
  2. adjective satellite having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable
    substantive.
    • substantial equivalents
  3. adjective having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
    real; material.
    • the substantial world
    • a mere dream, neither substantial nor practical
    • most ponderous and substantial things"- Shakespeare
  4. adjective satellite providing abundant nourishment
    solid; hearty; square; satisfying.
    • a hearty meal
    • good solid food
    • ate a substantial breakfast
    • four square meals a day
  5. adjective satellite of good quality and condition; solidly built
    solid; strong.
    • a solid foundation
    • several substantial timber buildings

WordNet

Sub*stan"tial adjective
Etymology
F. substantiel, L. substantialis.
Definitions
  1. Belonging to substance; actually existing; real; as, substantial life. Milton.
    If this atheist would have his chance to be real and substantial agent, he is more stupid than the vulgar. Bentley.
  2. Not seeming or imaginary; not illusive; real; solid; true; veritable.
    If happinessbe a substantial good. Denham.
    The substantial ornaments of virtue. L'Estrange.
  3. Corporeal; material; firm. "Most ponderous and substantial things." Shak.
    The rainbow [appears to be] a large substantial arch. I. Watts.
  4. Having good substance; strong; stout; solid; firm; as, substantial cloth; a substantial fence or wall.
  5. Possessed of goods or an estate; moderately wealthy; responsible; as, a substantial freeholder. "Substantial yeomen and burghers." Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913