substance

Universal Words noun 1 [C] a type of solid, liquid or gas that has particular qualities: a chemical / radioactive substance * banned / illegal substances (= drugs) * a sticky / rich / fatty substance 2 [U] (written) the quality of being based on facts or the truth: It was malicious gossip, completely without substance. * The commission's report gives substance to these allegations. * There is some substance in what he says. 3 [U] the most important or main part of sth: Love and guilt form the substance of his new book. * I agree with what she said in substance, though not with every detail. * There seems to be no difference in substance between the two procedures. 4 [U] (formal) importance SYNSIGNIFICANCE: matters of substance * Nothing of any substance was achieved in the meeting. IDIOMS a man / woman of substance (formal) a rich and powerful man or woman