Substance: meaning, definitions and examples

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substance

[ ˈsʌbstəns ]

^{Context #1}

chemical

A particular kind of matter with uniform properties.

Synonyms

compound, element, material

Examples of usage

It is important to identify the substance before conducting any experiments.
The substance was found to be highly toxic.

^{Context #2}

illegal

Illegal drugs, especially narcotics.

Synonyms

drug, illegal substance, narcotic

Examples of usage

He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
The police seized a large quantity of illegal substances.

^{Context #3}

quality

Essential nature or quality of something.

Synonyms

core, essence, nature

Examples of usage

Honesty is the substance of his character.
The substance of her argument was based on scientific evidence.

Translations

Translations of the word "substance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 substância

🇮🇳 पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Substanz

🇮🇩 zat

🇺🇦 речовина

🇵🇱 substancja

🇯🇵 物質 (ぶっしつ)

🇫🇷 substance

🇪🇸 sustancia

🇹🇷 madde

🇰🇷 물질 (muljil)

🇸🇦 مادة

🇨🇿 látka

🇸🇰 látka

🇨🇳 物质 (wùzhí)

🇸🇮 snov

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 зат

🇬🇪 ნივთიერება

🇦🇿 maddə

🇲🇽 sustancia

Word origin

The word 'substance' originated from the Latin word 'substantia', meaning 'standing under, foundation'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to physical matter, essence, and later on, to illegal drugs. The concept of substance has been a central theme in philosophy, chemistry, and law.