Sure! Let's break down the word "substantial" in a way that is easy to understand.
Definition:
Substantial is an adjective that describes something that is large in amount, importance, or quality. It suggests that something is solid, meaningful, or significant.
Usage Instructions:
Use "substantial" when you want to emphasize that something is considerable in size, quantity, or worth.
It can refer to physical objects, like buildings or meals, as well as abstract concepts, like evidence or support.
Examples:
Everyday Example: "I had a substantial breakfast this morning." (This means you had a large or filling breakfast.)
Importance Example: "The research provided substantial evidence to support the theory." (This means the evidence was significant and important.)
Advanced Usage:
In more formal contexts, "substantial" can be used in legal or academic discussions to indicate that something has a solid basis or is deeply rooted in reality.
For instance, "The policy changes will have substantial effects on the economy." (The effects are significant and important).
Word Variants:
Substantially (adverb): This means "to a great extent" or "considerably."
Substance (noun): This refers to the physical matter of which something is made or the essence of something.
Substantiality (noun): This means the quality of being substantial.
Different Meanings:
Physical Quality: Strong or solidly built (e.g., "substantial timber buildings").
Amount or Size: A large quantity (e.g., "a substantial amount of money").
Importance: Meaningful or significant (e.g., "a substantial contribution to science").
Synonyms:
Considerable
Significant
Important
Meaningful
Solid
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "substantial," you might encounter phrases like: - "A substantial amount of..." (to indicate a large quantity of something) - "Substantial evidence" (meaning strong proof in legal or academic contexts)
Summary:
In summary, "substantial" is a versatile word that points to something large, important, or solid.