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Substantial vs Elemental - What's the difference?

substantial | elemental |

As adjectives the difference between substantial and elemental

is that substantial is having to substance; actually existing; real; as, substantial life while elemental is (chemistry) of, relating to, or being an element (as opposed to a compound).

As nouns the difference between substantial and elemental

is that substantial is anything having substance; an essential part while elemental is (fantasy) a creature (usually a spirit) that is attuned with, or composed of, one of the classical elements: air, earth, fire and water they sometimes have unique proper names and sometimes are referred to as air, earth, fire, or water.

substantial

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having to substance; actually existing; real; as, substantial life.
  • Not seeming or imaginary; not illusive; real; solid; true; veritable.
  • * "to do some substantial good, is the compensation for much incidental imperfection" - Cardinal Newman, The Rise and Progress of Universities
  • Corporeal; material; firm.
  • Having good substance; strong; stout; solid; firm; as, substantial cloth; a substantial fence or wall.
  • possessed of goods or an estate; moderately wealthy; responsible; as, a substantial freeholder.
  • Large in size, quantity, or value; as, a substantial amount of money; vast
  • Most important; essential.
  • Ample or full.
  • A substantial amount of people in this buliding
  • Significantly great.
  • Derived terms

    * consubstantial * insubstantial * substantiality * substantially * substantialness

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Anything having substance; an essential part.
  • elemental

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (chemistry) of, relating to, or being an element (as opposed to a compound)
  • basic, fundamental or elementary
  • of the ancient supposed elements of earth, air, fire and water
  • (by extension) of, or relating to a force or nature, especially to severe atmospheric conditions
  • Noun

    (elementals) (en noun)
  • (fantasy) A creature (usually a spirit) that is attuned with, or composed of, one of the classical elements: air, earth, fire and water. They sometimes have unique proper names and sometimes are referred to as Air, Earth, Fire, or Water.