n. | 1. | That which underlies all outward manifestations; substratum; the permanent subject or cause of phenomena, whether material or spiritual; that in which properties inhere; that which is real, in distinction from that which is apparent; the abiding part of any existence, in distinction from any accident; that which constitutes anything what it is; real or existing essence. |
2. | The most important element in any existence; the characteristic and essential components of anything; the main part; essential import; purport. | |
3. | Body; matter; material of which a thing is made; hence, substantiality; solidity; firmness; | |
4. | Material possessions; estate; property; resources. | |
5. | (Theol.) Same as Hypostasis, 2. | |
v. t. | 1. | To furnish or endow with substance; to supply property to; to make rich. |
Noun | 1. | substance - that which has mass and occupies space; "an atom is the smallest indivisible unit of matter" Synonyms: matter |
2. | substance - the stuff of which an object consists | |
3. | substance - the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story" Synonyms: essence, heart and soul, inwardness, nitty-gritty, pith, gist, kernel, nub, meat, sum, core, center, heart, marrow | |
4. | substance - the idea that is intended; "What is the meaning of this proverb?" Synonyms: meaning | |
5. | substance - considerable capital (wealth or income); "he is a man of means" Synonyms: means | |
6. | substance - what a communication that is about something is about |
SUBSTANCE, evidence. That which is essential; it is used in opposition to
form.
2. It is a general rule, that on any issue it is sufficient to prove
the substance of the issue. For example, in a case where the defendant
pleaded payment of the principal sum and all interest due, and it appeared
in evidence that a gross sum was paid, not amounting to the full interest,
but accepted by the plaintiff as full payment, the proof was held to be
sufficient. 2 Str. 690; 1 Phil. Ev. 161.