Cool MateSubstance
UK /["/ˈsʌbstəns/"]/US /["/ˈsʌbstəns/"]/
Definition
a type of solid, liquid or gas that has particular qualities
In simple words: A material or matter that has weight and takes up space.
Examples
- The primary substance in the recipe is flour.
- Scientists study the chemical properties of various substances.
- Water is considered a substance that is vital for life.
- The substance of his argument was quite convincing.
- There are many substances used in the manufacturing process.
- Different substances can change their state under varying temperatures.
Usage notes
Used in both scientific and everyday contexts to refer to physical materials or essential qualities. It’s not typically used in very informal speech.
Grammar pattern
noun + of + substance
Memory hint
Think of 'substance' as 'substance' in your breakfast smoothie - the good stuff!
Collocations
- addictive
- cancer-causing
- carcinogenic
- use
- abuse
- contain
- use
- abuse
- real
- added
- have
- add
- give something
- in substance
- of substance
- with substance
- real
- added
- have
- add
- give something
- in substance
- of substance
- with substance
- real
- added
- have
- add
- give something
- in substance
- of substance
- with substance
Synonyms
- material
- matter
- element
- ingredient
- content
Antonyms
- absence
- lack
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'substantial', which refers to importance or size.
- Omitting 'of' when using 'substance' in phrases.
- Using 'substance' to describe abstract ideas without qualifiers.