DictionarysubstantialConsiderable size or importance
adjective

substantial

Considerable in size, amount, or importance.

The repairs require a substantial amount of time and money.

Etymology

The older adjective concerns substance or real existence. It developed a quantitative sense for something with enough substance to be considerable or important.

More examples

  • She made a substantial contribution to the project.
  • We found substantial evidence supporting the account.
  • Their savings grew by a substantial margin.

Forms

substantial

Similar words

considerable
Often emphasizes amount or degree rather than solid reality.
significant
Significant emphasizes importance rather than physical size or amount.