Explanation at your level:
If something is valid, it is okay to use. For example, your bus ticket is valid if you can use it today.
Use valid when something is correct or allowed. A valid passport lets you travel to other countries.
In discussions, a valid point is one that is smart and true. It is a very common word in office meetings.
We often use valid to describe data or arguments. If your logic is valid, people will agree with your conclusion.
In academic writing, you might argue that a study has valid results. This means the method used was sound and the findings are reliable.
The term is deeply rooted in the concept of validity. It implies that a system, law, or logical proof is internally consistent and holds authority.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Adjective
- Means acceptable
- Common in logic
- Means strong in Latin
Hey there! The word valid is a super useful term you'll hear all the time. Think of it as a stamp of approval.
When we say something is valid, we mean it is legitimate. If you have a train ticket that hasn't expired, it is a valid ticket. It works!
In arguments, we use it to show that someone has a good point. If your friend says, 'It's too cold to go outside,' you might reply, 'That's a valid point.' You're saying their reasoning is logical and makes sense.
The word valid comes from the Latin word validus, which actually means 'strong' or 'powerful'.
It entered English through the French word valide in the 16th century. Back then, it was mostly used to describe physical strength or health. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'physically strong' to 'legally or logically strong.'
It's fascinating how a word that once meant a strong person eventually became a way to describe a strong, well-reasoned argument!
You will see valid used in both professional and casual settings. It is very common in business, law, and everyday chat.
Common phrases include 'valid point', 'valid reason', and 'valid passport'. It is a neutral word, so you can use it with your boss or your best friend without sounding out of place.
While 'valid' isn't usually the center of an idiom, it appears in phrases like:
- 'A valid concern': A worry that is justified.
- 'Legally valid': Something that holds up in court.
- 'Valid until': Used for expiration dates.
- 'Valid argument': A claim that follows logical rules.
- 'Valid ID': Identification that is currently accepted.
Valid is an adjective. It doesn't have a plural form because adjectives don't change in English! You just place it before a noun (e.g., 'a valid reason') or after a verb (e.g., 'this is valid').
Pronunciation is VAL-id. It rhymes with pallid or salad (sort of!).
Fun Fact
It used to mean physically healthy!
Pronunciation Guide
short a
short a
Common Errors
- mispronouncing the 'id'
- stressing the second syllable
- adding an extra vowel
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective placement
A valid point
Examples by Level
Is this ticket valid?
Is this ticket okay?
Adjective usage
Your passport must be valid.
That is a valid question.
Is this coupon still valid?
He gave a valid reason.
The code is not valid.
This is a valid point.
Please provide a valid email.
Is the contract valid?
Her argument is perfectly valid.
We need a valid excuse.
Is your parking permit valid?
He made a valid observation.
The test results are valid.
Do you have a valid ID?
That is a valid concern.
The software key is valid.
The research provides a valid conclusion.
His logic is sound and valid.
We must ensure the data is valid.
The agreement is no longer valid.
She raised a valid objection.
The theory remains valid today.
Is this assumption valid?
The claim is legally valid.
The experiment lacks valid controls.
Her critique is a valid one.
The argument is logically valid.
We need a valid framework.
The permit is valid for a year.
The evidence is not valid here.
Is the premise valid?
The contract is legally valid.
The syllogism is formally valid.
His methodology is scientifically valid.
The permit is valid until June.
The argument is valid but flawed.
We require a valid signature.
The assumption is not valid.
The claim is considered valid.
The license is valid worldwide.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"valid until"
the expiration date
The offer is valid until Friday.
neutral""
""
""
""
""
Easily Confused
similar sounds
valuable means worth money
A valid ticket vs a valuable ring
Sentence Patterns
That is a valid [noun]
That is a valid point.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Valid is an adjective, not a verb.
Tips
Use it for arguments
Use it when you agree with someone's logic.
Adjective only
Don't use it as a verb.
Latin roots
It meant strong!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Valid = Very Accessible, Legally Identified, Definitely
Visual Association
A green checkmark
Word Web
Challenge
Use 'valid' in a sentence today.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: strong
Cultural Context
None.
Used heavily in bureaucracy and logic.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Travel
- Is this ticket valid?
Conversation Starters
"Do you think that is a valid point?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had a valid reason to be late.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is an adjective.
Test Yourself
Is my ticket ___?
Valid means acceptable.
What does valid mean?
It means acceptable.
A valid argument is logical.
Valid arguments make sense.
Word
Meaning
They are synonyms.
Subject-Verb-Adjective order.
Score: /5
Summary
Valid means something is officially accepted or logically sound.
- Adjective
- Means acceptable
- Common in logic
- Means strong in Latin
Use it for arguments
Use it when you agree with someone's logic.
Adjective only
Don't use it as a verb.
Latin roots
It meant strong!
Example
Is your passport still valid, or do you need to get a new one before the trip?
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More Law words
abfinor
C1A formal term denoting the absolute and final settlement of a legal dispute or the conclusive discharge of a financial obligation. It signifies the definitive point at which all parties are released from further claims or responsibilities regarding a specific matter.
abfortious
C1To abfortious is to strengthen a logical argument or a formal claim by providing additional, even more compelling evidence. It describes the process of reinforcing a conclusion so that it follows with even greater certainty than initially established.
abide
C1To accept or act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation. It can also mean to tolerate or endure a person or situation, typically used in negative constructions.
abjugcy
C1The state or act of being unyoked or released from a bond, burden, or state of servitude. It describes a liberation from metaphorical yokes such as oppressive systems, heavy responsibilities, or restrictive contracts.
abolished
B2To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution, especially one that has been in existence for a long time. The act of abolishing something is a decisive and official termination, often done by law or through an executive order.
abrogate
C1To formally repeal, abolish, or do away with a law, right, or formal agreement. It typically refers to an authoritative or official action taken to end the validity of a legal or political document.
abscond
C1To depart suddenly and secretly, often to avoid detection or arrest for an unlawful action. It is typically used when someone leaves a place with something they are not supposed to have, such as stolen money or information.
absolve
C1To formally declare someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment, especially after a legal proceeding or a religious confession. It suggests a complete release from the consequences or blame associated with an action.
accomplice
C1An accomplice is a person who helps someone else commit a crime or a dishonest act. This individual is legally or morally responsible for their involvement, even if they were not the primary person performing the act.
accord
C1A formal agreement or treaty between parties, or a state of harmony and consistency between different things. As a verb, it means to grant someone power or status, or to be consistent with a particular fact or rule.
