n.
    - a particular kind of matter with uniform properties. ▸an intoxicating or narcotic drug. 
- the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists. ▸solid basis in reality or fact: ![]()  the claim has no substance. 
▸dependability or stability. 
- the quality of being important, valid, or significant. ▸the most important or essential part or meaning. ▸the subject matter of a text or work of art, especially as contrasted with its form or style. ▸wealth and possessions: ![]()  a woman of substance. 
- Philosophy  the essential nature underlying phenomena, which is subject to changes and accidents.
Phrase
  
    
      - in substance
 essentially.
 
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr., from L. substantia ‘being, essence’, from substant-, substare ‘stand firm’.