'substance' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'substantia,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'stare' meant 'to stand.'

'substantia' transformed into the Old French word 'substance,' and eventually became the modern English word 'substance' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'that which stands under or supports,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'material or essence.'