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.

Adjective

(en adjective)

Expressed or represented as being accurate.

A ''realistic'' appraisal of the situation.

* {{quote-news

, year=2011 , date=October 1 , author=Tom Fordyce , title=Rugby World Cup 2011: England 16-12 Scotland , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=Scotland needed a victory by eight points to have a realistic chance of progressing to the knock-out stages, and for long periods of a ferocious contest looked as if they might pull it off.}}

Relating to the representation of objects, actions or conditions as they actually are or were.

A ''realistic'' novel about the Victorian poor.