substance
/ˈsʌbstəns/noun
1
- a particular kind of matter with uniform properties物质, 材料：
a steel tube coated with a waxy substance.
涂蜡层的钢管。
1.1
- an intoxicating, stimulating, or narcotic chemical or drug, especially an illegal one兴奋剂; 麻醉品（尤指毒品）。
2
- mass noun the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence实质; （实在的）东西：
proteins compose much of the actual substance of the body.
人体的大部分是由蛋白质组成的。
2.1
- the quality of having a solid basis in reality or fact根据：
the claim has no substance.
这说法没有根据。
2.2
- the quality of being dependable or stable可靠; 稳定：
some were inclined to knock her for her lack of substance.
一些人常常指责她不可靠。
3
- mass noun the quality of being important, valid, or significant重要性; 可行性; 有意义：
he had yet to accomplish anything of substance.
他至今尚未有任何实质性成就。
3.1
- the most important or essential part of something; the real or essential meaning要旨; 本质, 实质：
the substance of the Maastricht Treaty.
马斯特里赫特条约的实质。
3.2
- the subject matter of a text, speech, or work of art, especially as contrasted with the form or style in which it is presented（文章、演讲、艺术作品的）主题; 内容（尤指与表现形式和风格相对）。
3.3
- wealth and possessions财富, 财产：
a woman of substance.
一个富有的女人。
3.4
- Philosophy the essential nature underlying phenomena, which is subject to changes and accidents【哲】实体。
短语
in substance
- essentially基本上, 大体上：
basic rights are equivalent in substance to human rights.
基本权利大体上等同于人权。
词源
Middle English (denoting the essential nature of something)： from Old French, from Latin substantia 'being, essence', from substant- 'standing firm', from the verb substare.