The difference between Substantive and Superficial
When used as nouns, substantive means a word that names a person, place, thing or idea, whereas superficial means a surface detail.
When used as adjectives, substantive means of the essence or essential element of a thing, whereas superficial means of or pertaining to the surface.
Substantive is also verb with the meaning: to make a word belonging to another part of speech into a (that is, a noun) or use it as a noun.
check bellow for the other definitions of Substantive and Superficial
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Substantive as an adjective:
Of the essence or essential element of a thing; as, "substantive information".
Examples:
"synonyms: essentiain essence"
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Substantive as an adjective:
Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
Examples:
"synonyms: meaty substantial"
"ant superficial"
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Substantive as an adjective (legal):
Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right; as, "substantive law".
Examples:
"ant adjective procedural"
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Substantive as an adjective (chemistry):
Of a dye that does not need the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
Examples:
"ant adjective"
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Substantive as an adjective:
Depending on itself; independent.
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Substantive as an adjective (grammar):
Used like a noun substantive.
Examples:
"synonyms: substantival"
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Substantive as an adjective (military, of a rank or appointment):
Actually and legally held, as distinct from an acting, temporary or honorary rank or appointment.
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Substantive as a noun (grammar):
A word that names a person, place, thing or idea; a noun (sensu stricto).
Examples:
"synonyms: noun q1=sensu stricto noun substantive"
"hypernyms noun q1=sensu lato"
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Substantive as a verb (grammar, very rare):
To make a word belonging to another part of speech into a (that is, a noun) or use it as a noun.
Examples:
"synonyms: substantivize nominalize"
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Superficial as an adjective:
Of or pertaining to the surface.
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Superficial as an adjective:
Being near the surface.
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Superficial as an adjective:
Shallow, lacking substance.
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Superficial as an adjective:
At face value.
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Superficial as an adjective (rare):
Two-dimensional; drawn on a flat surface.
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Superficial as a noun (chiefly in plural):
A surface detail.
Examples:
"He always concentrates on the superficials and fails to see the real issue."