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Insubstantially: meaning, definitions and examples

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insubstantially

 

[ Ιͺnˈsʌb.stΓ¦n.ΚƒΙ™.li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner, quality

Insubstantially refers to something that lacks substance or solidity. It describes actions or statements that are not significant, meaningful, or tangible.

Synonyms

frivolously, hollowly, insignificantly, unimportantly.

Examples of usage

  • The argument presented was insubstantially constructed.
  • Her claims were deemed insubstantially backed by evidence.
  • They lived insubstantially, always searching for a lasting purpose.

Etymology

The word 'insubstantial' comes from the Latin word 'insubstantialis', where 'in-' signifies 'not' and 'substantialis' pertains to 'substance'. The term has traversed languages, making its way into Middle English as 'insubstantial', which denoted lacking firmness or reality. The adverb form 'insubstantially' evolved through the addition of '-ly' to suggest a manner in which something is absent of substantial qualities. Over centuries, the roots of the term remain tied to philosophical discussions on essence and existence, defining how certain concepts or ideas present themselves in varying degrees of reality or presence.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,768, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.