Valid

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈvælɪd/

Definitions

  1. Legally or officially acceptable and recognized as true or correct
  2. Legally accepted and recognized as sound or justifiable | Authorized by law or accepted standards for truthfulness or legitimacy | Considered reasonable or effective within a given context or framework
  3. Meeting the official standards of acceptability | Being logically sound and justifiable according to established criteria | Considered reasonable and effective within a specific context or set of rules

Etymology: The adjective in question traces its roots to the Latin word "validus," meaning "strong" or "powerful." This Latin term itself likely derives from the verb "valere," which means "to be strong" or "to be worth." The transition from the idea of physical strength or power to the more abstract sense of legitimacy or soundness is a key part of the word's journey into English. The term entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century, initially maintaining a rather formal and legal connotation. It was often used in contexts pertaining to contracts, arguments, or legal documents, where something was recognized as binding, effective, or justifiable. Over time, the meaning broadened beyond strictly legal usage to encompass anything considered logically or factually well-founded. The pronunciation has remained relatively stable, preserving the strong initial syllable and clear vowel sounds. While the original Latin focused on tangible strength, the English usage emphasizes the idea of something being "holding up" under scrutiny—whether that’s a reason, a rule, or a document. This evolution from concrete strength to abstract soundness reflects a common pattern in English vocabulary, where physical attributes metaphorically extend into the realm of ideas and judgments. The word pairs neatly with others like "validity" and "validate," which further develop the notion of confirming or establishing strength in an argument or condition.

Synonyms: legitimate, sound, justifiable, acceptable, credible

Antonyms: invalid, illegitimate, unacceptable, unjustifiable, unsound