Sub″stan‐tive (?), a. [L. substantivus: cf. F. substantif.] 1. Betokening or expressing existence; as, the substantive verb, that is, the verb to be.
2. Depending on itself; independent.
He considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner. Bacon.
3. Enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
Strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner. Hazlitt.
4. Pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, the law substantive.
Noun substantive(Gram.), a noun which designates an object, material or immaterial; a substantive. — Substantive color, one which communicates its color without the aid of a mordant or base; — opposed to adjective color.