substance
real material or meaningful content
Roots
- sta / stit: stand, place, or set
- sub-: under, below, or after
Other words with the sta / stit root
- circumstance: a condition surrounding an event
- constant: unchanging or steady
- destitute: lacking basic necessities; extremely poor
- obstacle: something that stands in the way
- obstinate: stubbornly refusing to change
- stance: a position or attitude
- stand: to be upright or stay in place
- station: a fixed place or position
Substance is what stands underneath a claim: the matter that gives it weight.
The essay had style but not enough substance.