noun
substantive
A noun or an expression functioning as a noun.
The adjective functioned as a substantive in that sentence.
Etymology
The grammatical term treats a noun as naming a substance or entity independently. It distinguishes such expressions from words that merely qualify them.
More examples
- The grammar classified several expressions as substantives.
- A substantive can serve as the subject of a clause.
- The lesson distinguished adjectival use from use as a substantive.
Forms
substantive · substantives