WordGarden.iosubstantially
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /səbstˈænʃəlˌi/
US
- /səbˈstænʃəli/
Meanings
Adverb
to a considerable degree or extent
in the main or for practical purposes; essentially
Beyond the definition
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.
Examples
- 1
Housing prices
House prices are substantially higher in the city center.
- 2
Service improvement
The new system cut waiting times substantially.
- 3
Medical recovery
Her condition improved substantially after a few weeks of treatment.
- 4
Version comparison
The second version is substantially different from the first one.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Same meaning
Although the wording changed, the meaning stayed substantially the same.
- Phrasesubstantially the same
almost the same in the important ways
- 6
Resource demand
The factory will need substantially more water if production expands.
- 7
Ticket sales
Substantially all of the tickets were sold before noon.
- Phrasesubstantially all
almost all
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- substantively
Used with (collocations)
- substantially increase
- substantially reduce
- substantially higher
- substantially different
Word family
Explore
- degree
- statistical significance
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- substantiallyadverb