Essence vs. Substance: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Intrinsic nature or quality
Physical or material composition
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Grammatical Category
Noun
Noun
Connotation
More abstract, often philosophical
More tangible, often material
Typical Context
Philosophy, morality
Science, law, practical matters
Focus
Core attributes
Material composition or real importance
Essence and Substance Definitions
Essence
The intrinsic nature of something.
The essence of the argument was misunderstood.
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Substance
The physical or material composition.
The substance of the wall is concrete.
Essence
A concept's fundamental nature.
The essence of democracy is equality.
Substance
Real matter or importance.
The speech lacked substance.
Essence
A defining characteristic or quality.
Honesty is the essence of his character.
Substance
The actual being or reality.
The substance of her claim was verified.
Essence
The most crucial element.
The essence of the matter is the need for action.
Substance
Something that has mass and occupies space.
Water is a substance.
Essence
The intrinsic or indispensable quality or qualities that serve to characterize or identify something
The essence of democracy is the freedom to choose.
Substance
That which has mass and occupies space; matter.
Essence
(Philosophy) The inherent, unchanging nature of a thing or class of things, especially as contrasted with its existence.
Substance
A material of a particular kind or constitution.
Essence
The most important part or aspect of something
The essence of her argument is that the policy is wrongheaded.
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?.
Essence
An extract that has the fundamental properties of a substance in concentrated form.
Substance
The most important part or idea of what is said or written; the essence or gist
The substance of the report.
Essence
Such an extract in a solution of alcohol.
Substance
That which is real or practical in quality or character; practical value
A plan without substance.
Essence
A perfume or scent.
Substance
Significance or importance
Did he accomplish anything of substance?.
Essence
One that has or shows an abundance of a quality as if highly concentrated
A neighbor who is the essence of hospitality.
Substance
Density; body
Air has little substance.
Essence
Something that exists, especially a spiritual or incorporeal entity.
Substance
Material possessions; goods; wealth
A person of substance.
Essence
The inherent nature of a thing or idea.
Substance
Physical matter; material.
Essence
(philosophy) The true nature of anything, not accidental or illusory.
Substance
A form of matter that has constant chemical composition and characteristic properties.
Essence
Constituent substance.
Substance
The essential part of anything; the most vital part.
Essence
A being; especially, a purely spiritual being.
Substance
Substantiality; solidity; firmness.
Some textile fabrics have little substance.
Essence
A significant feature of something.
Substance
Material possessions; estate; property; resources.
A man of substance
Essence
The concentrated form of a plant or drug obtained through a distillation process.
Essence of Jojoba
Substance
Drugs illegal narcotics
Substance abuse
Essence
An extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter used for flavouring, or as a restorative.
Vanilla essence
Substance
(theology) Hypostasis.
Essence
Fragrance, a perfume.
Substance
To give substance to; to make real or substantial.
Essence
The constituent elementary notions which constitute a complex notion, and must be enumerated to define it; sometimes called the nominal essence.
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.
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.
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.
Essence
Constituent substance.
And uncompounded is their essence pure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Substance
Same as Hypostasis, 2.
Essence
Perfume; odor; scent; or the volatile matter constituting perfume.
Nor let the essences exhale.
Substance
To furnish or endow with substance; to supply property to; to make rich.
Essence
To perfume; to scent.
Substance
That which has mass and occupies space;
An atom is the smallest indivisible unit of matter
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
Substance
The stuff of which an object consists
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
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
Essence
The central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
Substance
The idea that is intended;
What is the meaning of this proverb?
Essence
A toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor
Substance
Considerable capital (wealth or income);
He is a man of means
Essence
A concentrated form of a substance.
The essence of vanilla was used in the recipe.
Substance
What a communication that is about something is about
Substance
Material wealth or possessions.
He has no substance to his name.
FAQs
Is Substance Always Material?
Mostly, but it can also refer to importance or real matter in abstract terms.
Is Substance a Noun?
Yes, substance is also a noun.
How Are Essence and Substance Used in Science?
Substance is more common and refers to material elements; essence is rarely used.
How Do Essence and Substance Differ in Philosophy?
Essence is about inherent nature, while substance often concerns material or fundamental existence.
Can Essence and Substance Co-Exist?
Yes, something can have both an essence and a substance.
Can Essence Refer to Importance?
Yes, as in "the essence of the matter."
What is Essence?
Essence is the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
What is Substance?
Substance refers to the physical or material composition or real importance of something.
Are Essence and Substance Interchangeable?
No, they describe different aspects of things; essence is more abstract, and substance is more tangible.
Can Substance Refer to Importance?
Yes, as in "the substance of the argument."
Are There Synonyms for Essence?
Core, nature, and quintessence are some synonyms.
Are There Synonyms for Substance?
Material, matter, and element are some synonyms.
Is Essence Always Intangible?
Often, but not always; it can refer to concentrated forms of physical substances.
Can Essence Be Quantified?
Generally, no; it's a qualitative concept.
Is Essence a Noun?
Yes, essence is a noun.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
