| noun | the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists “DNA is the substance of our genes” |
| noun | the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience “the gist of the prosecutor's argument” |
| noun | the idea that is intended “What is the meaning of this proverb?” |
| noun | material of a particular kind or constitution “the immune response recognizes invading substances” |
| noun | considerable capital (wealth or income) “he is a man of means” |
| noun | what a communication that is about something is about |
| noun | a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties “shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man” |
| substantial | adjective | having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary; ; ; - Shakespeare |
| central | adjective | serving as an essential component |
| essential | adjective | of the greatest importance |
| meaty | adjective | being on topic and prompting thought |
| pithy | adjective | concise and full of meaning; ; - Hervey Allen |
| summate | verb | form or constitute a cumulative effect |
| mean | verb | denote or connote |