valid

[val-id]

adjective

1. sound; just; well-founded.

   a valid reason.

2. producing the desired result; effective.

   a valid antidote for gloom.

3. having force, weight, or cogency; authoritative.

   Synonyms: cogent, substantial

4. legally sound, effective, or binding; having legal force.

   a valid contract.

5. Logic.,  (of an argument) so constructed that if the premises are jointly asserted, the conclusion cannot be denied without contradiction.

   Synonyms: convincing, logical

6. Archaic.,  robust; well; healthy.

valid

/ ˈvælɪd, vəˈlɪdɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having some foundation; based on truth

2. legally acceptable

   a valid licence

3. 1. having legal force; effective

   2. having legal authority; binding

4. having some force or cogency

   a valid point in a debate

5. logic (of an inference or argument) having premises and conclusion so related that whenever the former are true the latter must also be true, esp ( formally valid ) when the inference is justified by the form of the premises and conclusion alone. Thus Tom is a bachelor; therefore Tom is unmarried is valid but not formally so, while today is hot and dry; therefore today is hot is formally valid Compare invalid 2

6. archaic,  healthy or strong

Other Word Forms

• validity noun
• validly adverb
• validness noun
• nonvalid adjective
• nonvalidly adverb
• nonvalidness noun
• prevalid adjective
• prevalidly adverb
• quasi-valid adjective
• quasi-validly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of valid¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin validus “strong,” from val(ēre) “to be strong” + -idus -id ⁴; prevail ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of valid¹

C16: from Latin validus robust, from valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

They have valid licenses and work papers, but are afraid to go back on the road, worried that if they get stopped, they could get sent home.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are sometimes valid reasons to distrust experts.

Read more on Salon

Rodriguez said there are “very valid reasons” to pay attention to alerts but that minimizing their harmful effects is crucial for economic recovery.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That means once you made peace with a favorite show’s version of a “Sopranos” blackout, whatever impression you hold to be true is as valid as the creators’ intent.

Read more on Salon

The Foremans' family say they entered Iran with valid visas, a licensed guide and a pre-approved itinerary, as required under Tehran's rules.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• accurate 
• authentic 
• binding 
• compelling 
• conclusive 
• credible 
• good 
• lawful 
• legal 
• legitimate 
• logical 
• original 
• persuasive 
• solid 
• true 
• well-founded