substantial

Everyday

1. Large in amount, size or importance. tree →
2. Strong, solid and well made. tree →
3. (of a meal) Big and filling. tree →

In the lessons

It is a common word in formal writing and exams: «a substantial increase» means a big one. In science: «a substantial difference between the results». In everyday life: «a substantial breakfast». In maths, «substantial» says the number is large but does not give it exactly. Phrases: «a substantial amount», «substantial increase», «substantial meal».

Examples

• (formal) There was a substantial rise in the number of visitors. tree →
• She won a substantial amount of money in the competition. tree →
• We had a substantial lunch before the long walk. tree →
• The house is old but substantial and well built. tree →
• The new playground made a substantial difference to the school. tree →
• (formal) The results show a substantial improvement. tree →
• The storm caused substantial damage to the roof. tree →
• The substantial truth of his statements has been confirmed by later criticism and inquiry. tree →

Note

Adverb: «substantially» (a lot, mainly). It means «large», not «substance» (a material). Note the spelling «-tial». In word problems it signals a big change, but you still need the actual numbers.

In Jewish tradition

It means real and lasting, not empty.

Interpretation. Job's friend says God ruins the plans of the clever. Their work comes to nothing.

Examples

• He frustrateth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands can perform nothing substantial. (Writings JOB.5.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb: «substantially» (a lot, mainly). It means «large», not «substance» (a material). Note the spelling «-tial». In word problems it signals a big change, but you still need the actual numbers.