Substantially vs. Substantively — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Substantially often indicates a significant degree or amount, whereas substantively refers more to the essence or content of a matter.
Difference Between Substantially and Substantively
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Substantially is commonly used to describe the extent or degree to which something is true or exists, emphasizing quantity or magnitude. Whereas, substantively focuses on the underlying essence or substantive nature of an issue, often relating to the content or core aspects.
Substantially can modify financial, physical, or numerical changes to indicate a considerable amount or effect. On the other hand, substantively is used in contexts that discuss changes or differences that affect the fundamental nature of something, such as laws or arguments.
In legal and formal texts, substantially might refer to significant changes or compliance that doesn't have to be absolute but must be considerable. Conversely, substantively often appears in discussions about policy or doctrine, focusing on material aspects or the main points of an argument.
When used in everyday conversation, substantially can simply mean "a lot" or "significantly," affecting the scale or scope of something. Meanwhile, substantively tends to appear less frequently and is used to discuss topics in a more abstract or theoretical manner.
In reporting and analysis, a change described as substantial implies a noteworthy difference in size, amount, or degree. In contrast, a change described as substantive implies a deep, meaningful alteration in the way something functions or is perceived.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Focus
Degree or amount
Essence or content
Common Usage
Physical, financial, numerical contexts
Legal, policy, theoretical discussions
Implication
Significant, considerable extent or size
Fundamental, core nature or principle
Frequency in Conversation
More common
Less common
Example Context
Changes in quantity, size, or scale
Changes in meaning, function, or principle
Compare with Definitions
Substantially
Large in amount, extent, or degree.
The cost has increased substantially.
Substantively
Relating to the substance or essential elements.
The debate shifted substantively.
Substantially
To a great extent.
The population of the city has grown substantially.
Substantively
Concerning the major or central nature of something.
Substantively, the law proposes major reforms.
Substantially
Ample or considerable in nature.
The evidence was substantially more than required.
Substantively
In a way that is meaningful or significant.
The policy didn’t change substantively.
Substantially
Considerably great in quantity.
Their profits were substantially higher this quarter.
Substantively
Pertaining to the body of essential content.
The discussions moved away from procedural details to focus substantively on key issues.
Substantially
Significantly.
The landscape has changed substantially over the decades.
Substantively
With substantive effect or consequences.
The amendment affects the bill substantively.
Substantially
Considerable in importance, value, degree, amount, or extent
Made a substantial improvement.
Won by a substantial margin.
Substantively
Substantial; considerable.
Substantially
Solidly built; strong
Substantial houses.
Substantively
Independent in existence or function; not subordinate.
Substantially
Ample; sustaining
A substantial breakfast.
Substantively
Not imaginary; actual; real.
Substantially
Possessing wealth or property; well-to-do.
Substantively
Of or relating to the essence or substance; essential
Substantive information.
Substantially
Of, relating to, or having substance; material.
Substantively
Having a solid basis; firm.
Substantially
True or real; not imaginary.
Substantively
(Grammar) Expressing or designating existence; for example, the verb to be.
Substantially
Achieving the goal of justice itself, not merely the procedure or form that is a means to justice
Principles of substantial justice.
Substantively
(Grammar) Designating a noun or noun equivalent.
Substantially
In a strong substantial manner; considerably.
Substantively
A word or group of words functioning as a noun.
Substantially
To a great extent; in essence; essentially.
Substantively
In a substantive manner, or to a substantive extent.
Substantially
Without material qualifications.
Substantively
Employed as a noun.
Substantially
In a substantial manner; in substance; essentially.
In him all his Father shone,Substantially expressed.
The laws of this religion would make men, if they would truly observe them, substantially religious toward God, chastle, and temperate.
Substantively
In a substantive manner; in substance; essentially.
Substantially
To a great extent or degree;
I'm afraid the film was well over budget
Painting the room white made it seem considerably (or substantially) larger
The house has fallen considerably in value
The price went up substantially
Substantively
As a substantive, name, or noun; as, an adjective may be used substantively.
Substantially
In a strong substantial way;
The house was substantially built
Common Curiosities
Can something be both substantial and substantive?
Yes, changes or elements can be both substantial (significant in amount) and substantive (meaningful in essence).
What type of changes does substantially refer to?
Substantially usually refers to quantitative changes, such as size or amount.
What type of discussions would use substantively?
Substantively is often used in legal, theoretical, or policy-related discussions focusing on the core or essential aspects.
What does substantially mean?
Substantially refers to a significant degree, extent, or amount.
What makes a change substantive?
A substantive change affects the fundamental nature or principles of the subject.
Is substantially a formal word?
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Can substantially be used in financial contexts?
Yes, it's often used to describe significant financial growth or loss.
How is substantively used in a sentence?
Substantively is used to discuss the essence or substantial parts of an issue.
Does substantially imply a positive change?
Not necessarily, it simply indicates a considerable degree of change without specifying its nature.
Is substantively a commonly used term?
It is less common and more specific to formal or specialized contexts than substantially.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Hornblende vs. Tourmaline
Next Comparison
Underscore vs. HyphenAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
