The term substance can refer to a number of different things depending on its context. In general, it refers to something that has physical existence and can be perceived through one or more of our senses (sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell). It could also mean an essential quality or characteristic of someone or something, such as their personality traits or attributes.
In chemistry, substance is used to describe a pure chemical compound that has a fixed composition and properties. In philosophy, it can refer to the fundamental nature of reality, with some arguing that only physical objects have true substance while others believe that abstract concepts such as love also possess substance.