Sub·stan·tive a.
 1. Betokening or expressing existence; as, the substantive verb, that is, the verb to be.
 2. Depending on itself; independent.
    He considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner.   --Bacon.
 3. Enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
    Strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner.   --Hazlitt.
 4. Pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, the law substantive.
 Noun substantive Gram., a noun which designates an object, material or immaterial; a substantive.
 Substantive color, one which communicates its color without the aid of a mordant or base; -- opposed to adjective color.