Essence vs. Substance: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 25, 2023
Essence refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something. Substance refers to the physical or material composition of something or to its real importance.
Key Differences
Essence is often used to describe the innate qualities that give something its identity or core meaning. It is more abstract and can refer to non-material attributes like the essence of love or freedom. Substance, in contrast, often pertains to the physical elements that make up something, like the substance of a rock, or refers to the real matter or import of an issue. Both terms seek to describe what something is made of, but they do so in fundamentally different ways.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Essence is generally more philosophical, concerning itself with the very nature or defining qualities of an object, concept, or being. Substance can be philosophical too, especially in metaphysical discussions, but it often leans towards materiality or physicality. In this respect, substance is more tangible than essence, which is more conceptual or even spiritual.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
From a grammatical perspective, both "essence" and "substance" are nouns. However, their usage in sentences and context can vary. Essence is frequently used in discussions of identity, philosophy, or morality, while substance is more often found in scientific, legal, or practical contexts. Despite their different leanings, both terms can intersect in specific circumstances, such as in philosophical debates about the 'substance' or 'essence' of existence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Both essence and substance can also refer to importance or value, but they do it in nuanced ways. The "essence" of a good life might involve intangible qualities like happiness and love. The "substance" of a good life could involve both intangible factors and material successes like a good job or home. While essence tends to concentrate on core, non-material qualities, substance often includes both material and immaterial factors.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Essence and Substance Definitions
Essence
The intrinsic nature of something.
The essence of the argument was misunderstood.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
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Substance
The physical or material composition.
The substance of the wall is concrete.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Essence
A concept's fundamental nature.
The essence of democracy is equality.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Essence
A defining characteristic or quality.
Honesty is the essence of his character.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Substance
The actual being or reality.
The substance of her claim was verified.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
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Essence
The most crucial element.
The essence of the matter is the need for action.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Essence
The intrinsic or indispensable quality or qualities that serve to characterize or identify something
The essence of democracy is the freedom to choose.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
(Philosophy) The inherent, unchanging nature of a thing or class of things, especially as contrasted with its existence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
The most important part or aspect of something
The essence of her argument is that the policy is wrongheaded.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
A drug, chemical, or other material (such as glue) that one is dependent on or uses habitually and that is often illegal or subject to government regulation
Which substance was he abusing?.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
An extract that has the fundamental properties of a substance in concentrated form.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
The most important part or idea of what is said or written; the essence or gist
The substance of the report.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
That which is real or practical in quality or character; practical value
A plan without substance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
Significance or importance
Did he accomplish anything of substance?.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
One that has or shows an abundance of a quality as if highly concentrated
A neighbor who is the essence of hospitality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
(philosophy) The true nature of anything, not accidental or illusory.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
A form of matter that has constant chemical composition and characteristic properties.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
Substantiality; solidity; firmness.
Some textile fabrics have little substance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
Material possessions; estate; property; resources.
A man of substance
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
The concentrated form of a plant or drug obtained through a distillation process.
Essence of Jojoba
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
An extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter used for flavouring, or as a restorative.
Vanilla essence
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
The constituent elementary notions which constitute a complex notion, and must be enumerated to define it; sometimes called the nominal essence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
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.
These cooks, how they stamp, and strain, and grind,And turn substance into accident!
Heroic virtue did his actions guide,And he the substance, not the appearance, chose.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
The constituent quality or qualities which belong to any object, or class of objects, or on which they depend for being what they are (distinguished as real essence); the real being, divested of all logical accidents; that quality which constitutes or marks the true nature of anything; distinctive character; hence, virtue or quality of a thing, separated from its grosser parts.
The laws are at present, both in form and essence, the greatest curse that society labors under.
Gifts and alms are the expressions, not the essence of this virtue [charity].
The essence of Addison's humor is irony.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
The most important element in any existence; the characteristic and essential components of anything; the main part; essential import; purport.
This edition is the same in substance with the Latin.
It is insolent in words, in manner; but in substance it is not only insulting, but alarming.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
A being; esp., a purely spiritual being.
As far as gods and heavenly essencesCan perish.
He had been indulging in fanciful speculations on spiritual essences, until . . . he had and ideal world of his own around him.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
Material possessions; estate; property; resources.
And there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Thy substance, valued at the highest rate,Can not amount unto a hundred marks.
We are destroying many thousand lives, and exhausting our substance, but not for our own interest.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
The predominant qualities or virtues of a plant or drug, extracted and refined from grosser matter; or, more strictly, the solution in spirits of wine of a volatile or essential oil; as, the essence of mint, and the like.
The . . . word essence . . . scarcely underwent a more complete transformation when from being the abstract of the verb "to be," it came to denote something sufficiently concrete to be inclosed in a glass bottle.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
Perfume; odor; scent; or the volatile matter constituting perfume.
Nor let the essences exhale.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
To furnish or endow with substance; to supply property to; to make rich.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
That which has mass and occupies space;
An atom is the smallest indivisible unit of matter
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
Any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Substance
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Essence
A concentrated form of a substance.
The essence of vanilla was used in the recipe.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
FAQs
Is Substance Always Material?
Mostly, but it can also refer to importance or real matter in abstract terms.
Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
How Are Essence and Substance Used in Science?
Substance is more common and refers to material elements; essence is rarely used.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
How Do Essence and Substance Differ in Philosophy?
Essence is about inherent nature, while substance often concerns material or fundamental existence.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Can Essence and Substance Co-Exist?
Yes, something can have both an essence and a substance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
What is Essence?
Essence is the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
What is Substance?
Substance refers to the physical or material composition or real importance of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Are Essence and Substance Interchangeable?
No, they describe different aspects of things; essence is more abstract, and substance is more tangible.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can Substance Refer to Importance?
Yes, as in "the substance of the argument."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Are There Synonyms for Essence?
Core, nature, and quintessence are some synonyms.
Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Are There Synonyms for Substance?
Material, matter, and element are some synonyms.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Is Essence Always Intangible?
Often, but not always; it can refer to concentrated forms of physical substances.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
