1. A serious, in-depth discussion or argument focused on the essential merits and core issues of a topic, rather than procedural or superficial matters
The committee engaged in a substantive debate about the proposed policy before voting.
O comitê participou de um debate substantivo sobre a política proposta antes de votarem.
2. A formal discussion where participants address the fundamental aspects and facts of a subject with serious consideration
Rather than personal attacks, we need a substantive debate on the economy.
Em vez de ataques pessoais, precisamos de um debate substantivo sobre a economia.