Insubstantial

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Weak or thin in structure or substance, lacking physical strength or solidity ; having little importance, significance, or worth
2. Having a fragile or flimsy quality that causes it to lack firmness or substantiality ; being trivial or of minor consequence or influence
3. Characterized by a lack of durability or robust form, easily broken or insubstantial in essence ; considered to be unimportant or negligible in impact or meaning

Etymology: "Insubstantial" is built from two parts that are both Latin in origin. The prefix "in-" means "not," and "substantial" comes from Latin "substantia," a word for the underlying essence or being of a thing, which itself grew out of "substans," standing under or beneath. So the adjective literally describes something that does not stand underneath, that has no solid base to it. The word probably came into English by way of Middle French "insubstantiel," which was itself formed from the Latin "insubstantialis," a term built on the same pattern. Its earlier history in English is less well documented, so the precise path is uncertain, but the overall sense has stayed close to the original: something lacking the solid matter or firm reality that would let it hold its shape or weight.

Synonyms: immaterial, void, inconsiderable

Antonyms: substantial, solid, important