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Functional vs Substantive - What's the difference?

functional | substantive |

As adjectives the difference between functional and substantive

is that functional is in good working order while substantive is nominalized.

As a noun functional

is (mathematics) a function that takes a function as its argument; more precisely: a function y''=''f''(''x'') whose argument ''x varies in a space of (real valued, complex valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space an example: the definite integration of integrable real functions in a real interval.

functional

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • In good working order.
  • Useful; serving a purpose, fulfilling a function
  • That sculpture is not merely artistic, but also functional : it can be used as a hatrack.
  • Only for functional purposes, notably in architecture
  • ''A functional construction element generally must meet higher technical but lower aesthetical requirements
  • (computing theory) Having semantics defined purely in terms of mathematical functions, without side-effects.
  • (medicine) Of a disease, such that its symptoms cannot be referred to any appreciable lesion or change of structure; opposed to organic disease, in which the organ itself is affected.
  • Synonyms

    * functioning, working * utilitarian

    Antonyms

    * non-functional * dysfunctional * organic

    Derived terms

    (Derived terms) * function * functional analysis * functional analysis diagram * functional anatomy * functional application * functional bombing * functional constraint * functional decomposition * functional design * functional diagram * functional disorder * functional electrical stimulation * functional error recovery * functional failure * functional group * functional interleaving * functional programming * functional requirement * functional residual capacity * functional specifications * functional switching circuit * functional unit * functionality * functionally

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (mathematics) A function that takes a function as its argument; More precisely: A function y''=''f''(''x'') whose argument ''x varies in a space of (real valued, complex valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space. An example: the definite integration of integrable real functions in a real interval.
  • (mathematics, functional analysis) A scalar-valued linear function on a vector space
  • (computing) An object encapsulating a function pointer (or equivalent).
  • substantive

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of the essence or essential element of a thing; as, "substantive information".
  • * 2012 , The Economist, 06 Oct 2012 issue; [http://www.economist.com/node/21564222 The first presidential debate: Back in the centre, back in the game]
  • In one sense the first debate achieved the worst of all worlds: it managed to be technical, even dull, without being substantive or especially honest.
  • Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
  • * Hazlitt
  • Strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner.
  • (legal) Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right; as, "substantive law".
  • (chemistry) Of a dye that does not need the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
  • Depending on itself; independent.
  • * Francis Bacon
  • He considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner.

    Synonyms

    * (of the essential element) essential, in essence * (having substance) meaty, substantial

    Antonyms

    * (having substance) superficial * (legal) adjective, procedural * verbal * (of a dye that does not need the use of a mordant) adjective

    Derived terms

    * substantive law

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (grammar) A word that names a person, place, thing or idea; a noun (sensu stricto)
  • Alternative forms

    * (abbreviation used in lexicography and grammar)

    Synonyms

    * noun (sensu stricto)

    Derived terms

    * substantivise/substantivize * substantival (substantivally)