substantially

Imagine building with LEGO bricks. Adding just one tiny piece does not change your creation in a big way. But adding a whole new wing or rebuilding the base does. To do something "substantially" means to do it to a large degree or in a way that makes a real, clear difference.

You might say a construction project is "substantially complete" when most of the work is done, even if a few small details remain. Or you might say heavy rain has "substantially increased" the water level in a lake. It is more than a small change; it is something people can clearly notice. In legal and professional settings, it can also mean that the main requirements have been met.

"Substantially" describes an action or change occurring to a significant degree, creating a real and noticeable impact. It implies much more than a minor alteration; it suggests a considerable amount of change that shifts the status quo. Think of it as moving beyond "slightly" or "somewhat" into the realm of "remarkably" or "materially."

You will often encounter "substantially" when discussing progress, financial trends, or legal matters. For example, "The company's profits have increased substantially this quarter" means there has been a large rise in earnings. In a legal sense, "substantially complying" with a rule does not necessarily mean absolute perfection; rather, it means meeting the core requirements even if minor technical details are missed.

This is different from simply saying something is "sufficient," which can imply just meeting the minimum requirement. The word carries weight: it signals that whatever is being described has been affected in a meaningful way, not just superficially. When you hear that something has changed "substantially," it usually points to a change that truly matters.