in style, but not in substance

Meaning in Chinese and English



style樣式 - the way in which something is said, done, expressed, or performed
substance實質 - that which is solid and practical in character, quality, or importance

''in style, but not in substance'' - “在樣式，而不在實質上"(in appearance, but not in the actual contents)

''as much about style as substance'' - "涉及樣式和涉及實質的程度相同"(the appearance and the actual contents being of equal importance)

Style = distinctive way of doing things
in style = done in a way that people admire; with elegance and sophistication (別具風格地; 有氣派, 有風度)
style (writing) = 文體; 文風; 語調

in substance = 内容上; 本質上; 大體上 (Substance = content, quality)

in style, but not in substance = 具風格, (有型有款), 無内容(優質)

2012-09-23 09:11:25 補充：
In style "和 "In substance" 準確的解釋要視主語 (subject) 而定. 你的句子無 subject.

An example to illustrate the use of “in style” and “in substance”:
主語是 writing:

The writing is not only rich in substance but also graceful in style.
文章不但内容富富，而且文筆又能優雅

2012-09-23 09:18:38 補充：
題外:
Other meaning: (not applicable in your sentence)
in style = fashionable, in current fashion 時髦地
e.g. She dressed in style.

in substance = the most important idea in an argument or a piece of writing; essentially 主旨
e.g. What she said in substance was that the chairman should resign.