-ivus

having a quality or tendency

Forms

-ivus
-ive — The Latin ending was shortened through French and English.

Origin

A Latin descriptive ending built on an older -vo- ending.

Note

It often describes what something tends to do, rather than something it has already done.

106 / 112

adjective

substantive

SUB-stun-tiv/ˈsʌbstəntɪv/

Having real importance, content, or practical effect.

The new entrance ramp makes a substantive improvement in access.

An architect and wheelchair user inspect a newly added practical entrance ramp beside previously inaccessible steps, emphasizing a meaningful change with actual effect; only a doorway section and ramp.

Etymology

substantLatinunderlying being, essence, or material

+iveLatinhaving a quality or tendency

Substance meant the real or essential part of something, and substantive described what had being in its own right. This connects the adjective with real content or importance rather than mere form.

In context

Politics and Prose54:13

there's obviously a a real substantive difference um between the parties and a and a celebration or at least tolerance of sort of misogyny and racism in the Republican party.

Author Talk: Seth Masket — The Elephants in the Room- with Hans Noel

More examples

She raised a substantive objection.
The report contained little substantive analysis.
They wanted substantive reform rather than a new slogan.

Forms

substantive · more substantive · most substantive

Similar words

significant: Significant means important; substantive stresses real content or practical substance.
procedural: Procedural concerns how matters are handled; substantive concerns their actual content.