1. substance - Noun
2. substance - Verb
Same as Hypostasis, 2.
That which underlies all outward manifestations; substratum; the permanent subject or cause of phenomena, whether material or spiritual; that in which properties inhere; that which is real, in distinction from that which is apparent; the abiding part of any existence, in distinction from any accident; that which constitutes anything what it is; real or existing essence.
The most important element in any existence; the characteristic and essential components of anything; the main part; essential import; purport.
Body; matter; material of which a thing is made; hence, substantiality; solidity; firmness; as, the substance of which a garment is made; some textile fabrics have little substance.
Material possessions; estate; property; resources.
To furnish or endow with substance; to supply property to; to make rich.
Source: Webster's dictionaryBeware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow. Aesop
People of Substance may Sin without being expos'd for their stolen Pleasure; but Servants and the Poorer sort of Women have seldom an Opportunity of concealing a Big Belly, or at least the Consequences of it. Bernard Mandeville
Do not keep on with a mockery of friendship after the substance is gone - but part, while you can part friends. Bury the carcass of friendship: it is not worth embalming. William Hazlitt
Be not deceived with the first appearance of things, for show is not substance. English Proverb
Catch not at the shadow, and lose the substance. Korean Proverb
Even though the peel of the palm nut has no pulpy substance in it, it is stripped off all the same. Ghana Proverb