1. plural of substantive; words or phrases that function as nouns in a sentence
Usage: grammar
2. plural of substantive; matters of real importance or significance
Usage: formal

Examples

• The teacher explained that substantives include nouns, pronouns, and noun phrases.
• In grammar class, we learned to identify substantives in complex sentences.
• The committee focused on substantives rather than procedural matters.
• Legal documents often distinguish between substantives and mere formalities.
• Students must understand how substantives function in sentence structure.
• The debate moved beyond rhetoric to address real substantives.