Substance, as opposed to representation, shadow, etc.; reality. rare before 17th cent. Now archaic.

That which is real or genuine, as distinguished from an imitation; the genuine article. Obsolete.

figurative. Something that is solid or real (as opposed to and often contrasted with appearance, †semblance, shadow, etc.). Also: reality. Cf. semb…

Philosophy. Substance; = hypostasis, n. 3. Obsolete. rare.

Practical reality, fact, as opposed to name or appearance. Cf. in effect at phrases. Obsolete.

metaphorical. That which subsists, or underlies anything; substance: (a) as opposed to qualities, attributes, or ‘accidents’; (b) as…

That which constitutes the actual thing, as distinguished from what is merely apparent or external.

With the. That which actually exists (contrasted with something abstract, imaginary, counterfeit, or otherwise insubstantial, or with something…

‘Substance’ in the metaphysical sense; the reality underlying phenomena; absolute being.

(See quot. 1867.)