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Substantive vs Formal - What's the difference?

substantive | formal |

As an adjective substantive

is nominalized.

As a noun formal is

an objective.

substantive

English

(wikipedia 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)

    formal

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Being in accord with established forms.
  • :
  • Official.
  • :
  • Relating to the form or structure of something.
  • :
  • *
  • Relating to formation.
  • :
  • Ceremonial.
  • :(rfquote-sense)
  • Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
  • :
  • Organized; well-structured and planned.
  • :
  • (mathematics) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
  • :

    • Antonyms

    * informal

    Derived terms

    * formal cause * formalize * formalist * formalism * formality

    Related terms

    * form

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Formalin.
  • An evening gown.
  • An event with a formal dress code.
    • Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal .

    External links

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