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Structural vs Substantive - What's the difference?

structural | substantive |

As adjectives the difference between structural and substantive

is that structural is of, relating to, or having structure while substantive is of the essence or essential element of a thing; as, "substantive information".

As nouns the difference between structural and substantive

is that structural is a component used in construction while substantive is a word that names a person, place, thing or idea; a noun (sensu stricto.

structural

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Of, relating to, or having structure
  • (rfc-sense) Used in building.
  • Derived terms

    * structurally * nonstructural

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A component used in construction.
  • * 1982 , United States International Trade Commission, Certain carbon steel products from Spain (page A-49)
  • Freight differentials often increased the spread in favor of the imported structurals . Purchasers repeatedly emphasized that their purchases of imported structurals were split among a number of sources, including Spain, France, West Germany,
    ----

    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)