What does valid mean?
Valid means legally recognized, logically sound, or suitable for a particular purpose. In official contexts, it describes something that has the required authority or satisfies the relevant rules, as in a valid passport or a legally binding contract. In discussion of arguments and evidence, it means that something is logically well-founded and therefore worthy of acceptance. The word can also indicate that a reason or concern is serious enough to deserve attention, as in a valid criticism or valid concern. Because valid is broader than merely lawful, it extends beyond institutions and formal rules to anything that meets a meaningful standard of correctness or usefulness. Its history reinforces this sense of solidity: it comes through Latin from valere, “to be strong,” and the related idea has long connected validity with strength, authority, and soundness.
adjectiveHaving legal or official force, or being recognized as legitimate. Also based on sound reasoning or evidence and therefore convincing, acceptable, or appropriate to the purpose.
- Legally or officially recognized and therefore binding or legitimate.
- Based on sound reasoning, evidence, or logic and therefore convincing or acceptable.
- Appropriate or effective for a particular purpose.
"The appeal was rejected because the passport was no longer valid."
"The court determined that the contract was valid under the applicable law."
"Her criticism raises a valid concern about the fairness of the process."
The word valid hides a remarkable history: its Latin ancestor meant 'strong,' so a valid claim is one with solid force behind it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does valid come from?
English valid comes through French from Latin validus, meaning “strong,” “sound,” or “valid,” which was derived from valere, “to be strong” or “to be worth.” The word entered English in the early modern period and developed from ideas of strength and soundness into its modern legal and logical senses. It belongs to a family related to valere, including value, valor, valiant, and prevail.
Related word forms
How valid is actually used
Formal and broadly neutral. It is especially common in legal, administrative, technical, and academic contexts, while its everyday use often means simply acceptable or convincing. There is no significant British–US difference in standard usage.
Easily confused with valid
Valid means legally, logically, or appropriately sound, whereas viable means capable of working or succeeding.
Valid describes something recognized as legitimate or sound, while valued describes something regarded as important or held in esteem.