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Substance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’Š
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substance

[หˆsสŒbstษ™ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chemical

A particular kind of matter with uniform properties.

Synonyms

compound, element, material.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
substance

Use when talking about a specific kind of matter with uniform properties. Can be abstract or physical.

  • The medicine contains a substance that can alleviate pain.
  • This policy lacks substance.
material

Ideal for referring to what something is made of, especially in a physical context.

  • The sofa is made from high-quality material.
  • The construction material arrived late.
compound

Best used when referring to a chemical substance made of two or more elements bonded together.

  • Water is a compound consisting of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The scientists discovered a new organic compound.
element

Appropriate when discussing a pure chemical substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Also used metaphorically.

  • Gold is a precious element.
  • Trust is an important element of any relationship.

Examples of usage

  • It is important to identify the substance before conducting any experiments.
  • The substance was found to be highly toxic.
Context #2 | Noun

illegal

Illegal drugs, especially narcotics.

Synonyms

drug, illegal substance, narcotic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
substance

Duplicate of the first entry; use the above definition and examples.
drug

Commonly refers to a medication prescribed by doctors or an illegal substance consumed for its effects.

  • The doctor prescribed a new drug for my high blood pressure
  • Some people use drugs recreationally, which can be dangerous
narcotic

Used to describe substances, often prescribed for pain relief, but also refers to illegal drugs that can cause addiction.

  • Narcotics are often necessary for managing severe pain after surgery
  • The rise in narcotic abuse is a serious public health concern
illegal substance

Refers specifically to substances that are prohibited by law due to their potential for abuse or harm.

  • The police found illegal substances in the suspect's car
  • Using illegal substances can lead to severe legal consequences

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
  • The police seized a large quantity of illegal substances.
Context #3 | Noun

quality

Essential nature or quality of something.

Synonyms

core, essence, nature.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
substance

Used when talking about the physical matter of which a thing consists or a fundamental, meaningful aspect of something.

  • The substance of the report was very informative.
  • Water is a substance found in nature.
essence

Used to describe the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract.

  • The essence of freedom is choice.
  • Love is the essence of a happy marriage.
core

Used when referring to the central or most important part of something.

  • At the core of the problem is inequality.
  • The Earth's core is incredibly hot.
nature

Used when talking about the inherent or essential qualities of something or someone.

  • It's in her nature to be kind.
  • Understanding the nature of the universe is a fundamental goal of science.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In chemistry, substances are defined as materials with a consistent composition, this can be an element or a compound.
  • The three primary states of matterโ€”solid, liquid, and gasโ€”are all different forms of substances, demonstrating how they can change physically.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle distinguished between 'substance' as the essence of a thing and 'accidentals', which are traits that do not define it.
  • Debates in metaphysics explore what constitutes a 'substance', pondering if it only applies to physical objects.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of music, albums often refer to how 'substantial' or impactful their sound is, highlighting the importance of depth in artistic expression.
  • Films and literature often revolve around themes of substance, exploring what truly matters in life versus superficial desires.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the term 'substance use' refers to the consumption of drugs or alcohol, which can have significant implications for mental health.
  • Researchers study how the 'substance' of a relationshipโ€”trust and communicationโ€”can affect emotional well-being.

Origin of 'substance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'substantia', meaning 'standing under' or 'basis', reflecting its role as a fundamental building block.
  • In earlier usage, the term referred to 'essence' or 'what something truly is', evolving over centuries to encompass physical matter.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,690, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.