What does substantially mean?
Substantially means to a large or important extent, and is used to emphasize that a change, difference, or effect is considerable rather than minor. For example, a price may rise substantially, or two accounts of an event may differ substantially in their details. The adverb can also suggest a basic or fundamental alteration: “The committee substantially revised the proposal.” In formal writing, it is especially useful for describing significant changes in quantity, quality, importance, or direction. It is more emphatic than “quite” and more precise than “very,” while often carrying a measured, professional tone. The word is related etymologically to substantial, substance, and substantiate, all of which express ideas involving what is present in substance, significance, or underlying reality.
To a large or important extent; significantly.
"The new evidence substantially changed our understanding of the case."
Often used with verbs such as “change,” “increase,” “reduce,” “differ,” and “improve.”
In a manner that concerns the essential or main nature of something.
"The amendment substantially altered the original proposal."
This sense emphasizes a fundamental change in character, scope, or effect.
A small change can be described as substantial when its impact is large enough to matter; the word is often used to emphasize scale rather than merely size.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does substantially come from?
“Substantially” was formed in the 16th century from “substantial” and the adverbial suffix “-ly.” “Substantial” comes through Old French from Latin “substantialis,” derived from “substantia,” meaning “substance” or “that which stands under or exists.” The Latin root is also reflected in related words such as “substantive” and “substantiate.”
How substantially is actually used
Common in formal and informal registers. “Substantially” can indicate either a large degree or a change in the basic character of something, so context determines which meaning is intended.
Easily confused with substantially
“Substantially” is an adverb meaning to a significant extent, whereas “substantive” is an adjective meaning important, meaningful, or having a real effect.