Validly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈvælɪdli/

Definitions

1. In a way that is appropriate within a specific context or framework
2. Acting or done in a manner that meets legal or logical standards
3. Performing or proceeding according to recognized rules or principles

Etymology: "Validly" is simply "valid" with the adverb ending "-ly" attached. The adjective "valid" comes from Latin "validus", meaning "strong" or "powerful", which itself derives from "valere", "to be strong, be well." The sense of being sound or effective is therefore older than the legal and logical senses the modern word carries. Through Middle French "valide," the word reached English as an adjective with the same notion of strength, and it was later applied to things that were binding or well-grounded. The suffix "-ly" has a more direct line. It descends from an Old English form "-līċe," which was itself built on a Germanic word for body or form, and it was attached to adjectives to describe the manner of an action. Adding it to "valid" produced an adverb describing how something was done: in a way that is strong enough to hold up under scrutiny.

Synonyms: legitimately, authentically, correctly, justifiably, properly

Antonyms: invalidly, illegitimately, incorrectly, improperly, falsely