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

  1. Substantive as an adjective:

    Of the essence or essential element of a thing; as, "substantive information".

    Examples:

    "synonyms: essentiain essence"

  2. Substantive as an adjective:

    Having substance; enduring; solid; firm; substantial.

    Examples:

    "synonyms: meaty substantial"

    "ant superficial"

  3. Substantive as an adjective (legal):

    Applying to essential legal principles and rules of right; as, "substantive law".

    Examples:

    "ant adjective procedural"

  4. 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"

  5. Substantive as an adjective:

    Depending on itself; independent.

  6. Substantive as an adjective (grammar):

    Used like a noun substantive.

    Examples:

    "synonyms: substantival"

  7. 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.

  1. 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"

  1. 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"

  1. Superficial as an adjective:

    Of or pertaining to the surface.

  2. Superficial as an adjective:

    Being near the surface.

  3. Superficial as an adjective:

    Shallow, lacking substance.

  4. Superficial as an adjective:

    At face value.

  5. Superficial as an adjective (rare):

    Two-dimensional; drawn on a flat surface.

  1. Superficial as a noun (chiefly in plural):

    A surface detail.

    Examples:

    "He always concentrates on the superficials and fails to see the real issue."

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