Is 'substantial' formal or informal?

What's the difference between 'substantial' and 'significant'?

How is 'substantial' different from 'significant'?

Can 'substantial' describe a physical object?

Is 'a substantial increase' correct usage?

← Dictionary

substantial

/səbˈstænʃəl/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Large in amount, size, or importance; significant and solid.

The report contains substantial proof.
She makes a substantial breakfast.
We made a substantial donation.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'substantial' stresses amount and solidity, whereas 'considerable' highlights size or degree; 'significant' points to importance; 'ample' means enough or more than enough. Use 'substantial' when emphasizing both size and solid evidence.

In other languages

Spanish: Sustancial, importante
Japanese: かなりの、大きな
Korean: 실질적인, 상당한
Vietnamese: Đáng kể, lớn
Chinese: 大量的, 实质的

Common phrases

substantial evidencesubstantial mealsubstantial changesubstantial difference

Synonyms

considerable significant ample large major

Frequently asked questions

Is 'substantial' formal or informal?: Is 'substantial' formal or informal?
What's the difference between 'substantial' and 'significant'?: How is 'substantial' different from 'significant'?
Can 'substantial' describe a physical object?: Can 'substantial' describe a physical object?
Is 'a substantial increase' correct usage?: Is 'a substantial increase' correct usage?