substance
Translation
substance, material, essence, importance
Examples
What is this sticky substance?
What is this sticky substance?
There is no substance to the rumours.
There is no substance to the rumors.
The substance of his argument was weak.
The substance of his argument was weak.
Grammar Patterns
((a/an)) substance a particular type of solid, liquid, or gas What is this sticky substance?
((no)) substance ((to sth.)) no truth or reality There is no substance to the rumors.
((the)) substance ((of sth.)) the most important part or meaning The substance of his argument was weak.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Latin 'substantia' (being, essence), from 'substare', which is 'sub-' (under) + 'stare' (to stand). It means 'that which stands under'.
Memory Tips
Think of something that 'stands under' everything else – the real, physical material or the core idea.