betokening or expressing existence; as, the substantive verb, that is, the verb to be.-depending on itself; independent.-enduring; solid; firm; substantial.-pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, the law substantive.-a noun or name; the part of speech which designates something that exists, or some object of thought, either material or immaterial; as, the words man, horse, city, goodness, excellence, are substantives.-to substantivize.