substance
/ˈsʌbstəns; `sʌbstəns/ n
1 [C] particular type of matter 物质
a poisonous substance like cyanide 类似氰化物的有毒物质
a substance that will prevent rust 防 物质
Water and ice are the same substance in different forms. 水和冰是同一物质的不同状态.
2 [U]
(a) real matter (contrasted with sth only seen, heard or imagined) 实物（与仅能看到、 听到或想像之事物相对）
They maintained that ghosts had no substance. 他们认为鬼魂不是实物.
(b) firmness; solidity 坚固; 结实
I like a meal that has some substance to it, ie has nourishing food in it. 我喜欢吃富於营养的饭菜.
(fig 比喻) an argument of little substance, eg lacking specific details, etc 内容贫乏的议论.
3 [U] most important or essential part of sth; essential meaning 基本部分; 实质部分; 主旨; 要义
the substance of the speech 讲话的要旨
I agree with the substance of what you say/with what you say in substance, but differ on points of detail. 我同意 你讲话的基本内容, 不过在一些枝节问题上与你有分歧.
4 [U] (fml 文) money; property 金钱; 财物; 资产
a man/woman of substance, eg a property owner 有资产的男子[女子].