Translate substance | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of substance
noun
1a particular kind of matter with uniform properties:a steel tube coated with a waxy substance an intoxicating, stimulating, or narcotic chemical or drug, especially an illegal one.
2the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence:proteins compose much of the actual substance of the body the quality of having a solid basis in reality or fact:the claim has no substance the quality of being dependable or stable:some were inclined to knock her for her lack of substance
3the quality of being important, valid, or significant:he had yet to accomplish anything of substance the most important or essential part of something; the real or essential meaning:the substance of the treaty the subject matter of a text, speech, or work of art, especially as contrasted with the form or style in which it is presented. wealth and possessions:a woman of substance Philosophy the essential nature underlying phenomena, which is subject to changes and accidents.